University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UM CRMC) is committed to providing transparency in its efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic in Charles County.

“It’s vital that people know that, even as we continue to treat COVID-19 patients and prepare for additional patients, we continue to provide for the emergent medical needs of our community, and that our residents should not delay critical medical care,” UM CRMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Moser said.

Officials released the following statistics about testing and treatment at the hospital:

• 700 patients have been tested since March 12
• 167 (23%) of those tested have returned a positive test result
• Of those who tested positive:
  • 83 were admitted to the hospital for further treatment
  • 84 were discharged to self-quarantine
• Of the 83 who were admitted:
  • 22 came from nursing homes
  • 61 came from outside nursing homes
• 19 patient deaths at the hospital have been attributed primarily or in-part to COVID-19; nine of those patients came from area nursing homes or long-term care facilities
• As of April 21, the hospital has 25 COVID-19 positive patients in its care

Vice President for Ancillary Services Bill Grimes also highlighted that special procedures and policies have been implemented locally and in University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) hospitals throughout Maryland.

“These updated policies underscore our commitment to keeping our patients and staff safe,” he said. 

New policies and procedures at the hospital include:

• Creating separate medical and intensive care units for those who tested positive for COVID-19 and those who tested negative for COVID-19
• Rapid testing of all inpatients upon hospital admission for correct placement’
• Implementation of a strict no-visitors policy
• A universal masking policy that requires additional levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for providers and nurses when providing patient care
• Applying stringent room cleaning standards
• Securing additional protective equipment, testing kits, and respiratory equipment, including ventilators
• Establishing preservation techniques and policies to extend usage of available PPE
• Creating a “surge” emergency plan that includes expanded capacity for patient care

“Our hospital is a safe place to come for people who need medical care,” Dr. Moser said. “We are structured so that we can protect and care for patients with COVID-19 symptoms separately from those without symptoms.”

In light of the current situation, Dr. Moser urged people not to put off needed and emergent medical care.

“Please do not ignore your body,” he said. “Warning signs and symptoms should be discussed with your doctor or evaluated at an urgent care practice or emergency room. Beyond emergency care, treating health concerns promptly results in fewer complications than if they are allowed to persist. Sometimes, by delaying care, irreversible damage occurs. Contact your doctor or, if you feel like you are having an emergency, please go to a local emergency department.”

Grimes also said he wanted to remind people that ongoing stay-at-home orders don’t apply to people experiencing health emergencies.

“Now more than ever, emergency departments are the nation’s safety net, and UMMS’ emergency departments will never close its doors to anyone who needs care,” he said.