Like so many hospitals nationwide, our own Hi-Desert Medical Center is gearing up to battle COVID-19. In an effort to heighten safety for all, the hospital has implemented new rules. Reporter Heather Clisby has the details…
With a rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases in San Bernardino County and three resulting deaths, Hi-Desert Medical Center is being extra cautious. The 24-hour 59-bed center is working with the Morongo Basin Healthcare District, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, and the California Department of Public Health, following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to respond to any potential COVID-19 cases that arise locally.
Patient visits have been temporarily suspended, with few exceptions, to the hospital and Continuing Care Center, though virtual visits via FaceTime and Skype are highly encouraged.
As for additional patient capacity, they plan to add beds in the recovery room and pre-op areas and also convert the front lobby space and erect outdoor tents, if needed. All physicians and staff are being screened for good health and the hospital has received donations of medical supplies from the community.
In addition, the Morongo Basin Healthcare District operates two community health clinics known as Morongo Basin Community Health Center located in Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms.
