From left: Jackalien Bourqui-Penijn, Nurse Maria Farrell and Nurse Clive Spanner at the triage tent at QBMC.
ST. EUSTATIUS--In an effort to reduce the possibilities of COVID-19 cases entering Queen Beatrix Medical Centre (QBMC), a triage tent was erected in the ambulance bay where patients will be screened and triaged before entering the facility.
A patient just before entering the triage tent at QBMC
The main purpose of the triage tent is to make a distinction between COVID-19-suspected and non-COVID-19-suspected patients. The patients’ temperature will be checked and patients will be asked whether they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. Before entering QBMC, patients and staff are required to wear a face mask and wash their hands at the hand-washing station at the QBMC entrance.
Based on the outcome of the triage, all patients not suspected of COVID-19 will be allowed into QBMC and COVID-19-suspected cases will be referred to the Hospitainer after activation of the Hospitainer protocol.
Once at the Hospitainer, a doctor will decide what the best course of action will be regarding each individual case presented.
St. Eustatius Health Care Foundation Director Gerard Berkel said, “It is important that we all, staff and patients alike, follow the guidelines as stipulated in our protocols and procedures. This is the only way that we will keep the spread of the virus under control and ensure the safety of our community.”
Berkel encourages, as much as possible, that patients in need of medical care call QBMC first at tel. 318-2211/318-2371/319-1500 or 910 before visiting the hospital. This will allow the triage staff to offer care in a more efficient manner.
