Area hospitals seeks supplies, continue screening and testing

Parkview Regional Hospital in Mexia has requested support in the form of medical personal protective equipment due to a supply shortage amid the COVID-19 crisis. Accepted equipment must be unused and includes disposable face, surgical and earloop masks. Respirator masks rate N95 or higher as suitable, in addition to googles and face shields, to protect eyes. Isolation, impervious and other disposable gowns are also being sought. Non-latex, disposable gloves, surgical caps, antimicrobial wipes and quantities of unopened hand sanitizer fill the remainder of the list.

The hospital cannot accept medical devices, medications or linens of any type. For those interested in contributing to the health center and overall community health, contact Director of Infection Control Tami Smith at 254-562-0408, extension 1716, to arrange delivery.

Parkview has a supply and equipment drop-off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contributors are instructed to visit the screening booth at the inpatient door next to the emergency room entrance.

“We have been working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services and Texas State Hospital Association and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” Marketing and Communications

Coordinator Haley Brown said. “PRH contacts the Texas Department of State Health Services and presents the case [to] determine if we can send a test.” Patients must meet the criteria to be tested. Those that can are required to stay home and self-quarantine unless respiratory symptoms are present, in which individuals are urged to be in contact with medical professionals over. “There is a screening process [that] takes place, medical exam, and based on criteria and physician discretion, is when the patient would be tested,” Leeann Freeman of Limestone Medical Center in Groesbeck said.