20
September
2021
|
12:59 PM
America/New_York

Waiting Room Tent Deployed at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital

Monday, Sept. 20, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital (CFMH) is setting up an outdoor, climate-controlled tent adjacent to the emergency department  to provide needed waiting room space for patients and visitors. Similar to the tent currently up (but not in use) at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, this is a precaution to offer appropriate social distancing in our waiting room if needed; it will not be used as a patient care area.

We continue to monitor COVID-19 cases and capacity in our region, adjusting our operations based on local needs. At this time, there is no disruption to services at CFMH.

Wait times are longer in our emergency departments because volumes are higher and patients are sicker. Please reserve the emergency department only for emergencies.

We have preparedness plans to meet increased demand, but we hope that - with the public's help - we won't have to use them. Now is not the time for alarm; we are here to serve you. It is the time, however, to come together as a community and act:

  • Get vaccinated.
  • Seek the appropriate level of care. If you have a non-life-threatening illness, injury, or need a COVID-19 test please consider primary care, urgent care and retail pharmacy options. Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department for life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
  • Take COVID seriously and know what treatment is available to you to keep you out of the hospital, like monoclonal antibody treatments.
  • When in doubt wear a mask and stay distant from others.