Decision based on increase in COVID-19 cases, testing, demand on caregivers
KODIAK, Alaska (Aug. 12, 2021) — The Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center (PKIMC) laboratory will no longer be performing outpatient blood collection and testing on weekends. Outpatient services will still be offered 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. No appointment necessary. Register at the front desk with a written order from your provider.
The schedule will return to normal as COVID-19 cases decrease and staffing levels normalize.
“The recent increase in COVID-19 cases and the need for testing in our community has placed additional demand on our caregivers,” said Karl Hertz, administrator at PKIMC. “The COVID-19 case increase has impacted the whole facility. In addition to the reduction in lab services, PKIMC has moved their internal activation level from Yellow to Orange. Orange status is designed to increase COVID-19 tracking and observation in the hospital.”
According to Hertz, Orange status level does not mean a suspension of services but will result in increased visitation restrictions and some service time modifications that allow hospital staff to continue providing the highest level of comprehensive care to the community.
New visitation restrictions begin immediately as well. For example, visitors may be asked to wait in their cars before entering the hospital, depending on the number of patients in the waiting area. Further visitation restrictions are in effect on the inpatient floor, mother-baby unit, intensive-care unit and emergency department. These restrictions fluctuate depending on current patient census.
Visitors are reminded to check in at the main desk for the latest visitation status before visiting family and friends. Mandatory mask wear and social distancing remain in effect inside all PKIMC facilities.
For more information, call PKIMC front desk at (907) 486-9500.
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