Like healthcare organizations across the state and the nation, RFGH is preparing for shortages of some medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), during the COVID-19 outbreak. Many members of our community are inquiring about how best to help us, and what items can be donated.

We are currently asking for donations of new and unused:

• Alcohol Hand Gel - Any brand is welcome (pump bottles are ideal).
• Eye Protection - Anything that maximizes the protection of the area around the eyes is welcome.
• Faceshields - Universal size that is intended to be disposable, but can be sterilized/wiped down.
• Isolation Gowns, Level 3, non-sterile - Level 3 is preferred as it offers the most protection.
• N95 Masks - Technically a “respirator,” an N95 is a disposable mask that filters out 95 percent of particles larger than 3 microns.

To donate, please send or deliver to:
Carol Steward
Redington-Fairview General Hospital
P.O. Box 468, 46 Fairview Avenue
Skowhegan, Maine 04976

For questions, or to make a monetary donation for PPEs, please e-mail lparadis@rfgh.net or csteward@rfgh.net, or you may call 207-474-5121.

Thank you for supporting RFGH!

No visitors are permitted on the RFGH campus, except for the following:

• Pediatrics (one parent/guardian at a time allowed)
• Obstetrics (one spouse/birthing partner allowed in labor and delivery area)
• Day Surgery – often called outpatient or ambulatory surgery (one person involved in care or transport)
• Extraordinary circumstances (one person at a time), if presence is necessary for communication with care team or patient support (e.g., patient with disabilities).

Patient Discharges: One person allowed for the purpose of picking up a patient for discharge.

Emergency Department/Ambulatory/Outpatient Procedural Areas: One person allowed as an escort, only if the patient requires their help with mobility, support or communication with care team, such necessity to be determined by triage or care providers. Escorts will be encouraged to drop-off patients when possible.

These restrictions are for the protection of patients, employees, visitors, and the public; and, consistent with guidance from governmental authorities, and are adopted for the purpose of reducing the potential for propagation of the COVID-19 virus.

Health Screenings:Patients and visitors will be screened for health upon entry at designated entrances.

Public Conferences and Meetings:All community meetings and events open to the public scheduled to be held at RFGH locations are suspended at this time.

Non-Urgent Office Visits and Elective Procedures:RFGH is suspending all elective medical procedures and non-urgent office visits in response to COVID-19 outbreak.

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 (also known as novel coronavirus) is a new disease that causes flu-like symptoms. Most cases are mild to moderate. Older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions, may experience severe respiratory illness or death, if infected. Click here to learn more about COVID-19 from the Maine CDC.

What is RFGH doing to prepare?
RFGH is in daily contact with Maine CDC and US CDC to monitor the spread of the outbreak. Our critical-access community hospital has a strong infectious disease and pandemic plan in place. Training and preparations for this exact situation have been ongoing for many years. Our staff is trained to provide specialized respiratory illness care and they have the supplies needed to do so safely. We are also taking all necessary steps to protect our patients, visitors and staff:

• Screening all patients for symptoms
• Frequent cleaning of all surfaces
• Washing hand frequently
• Implementing new visitor policies
• Cancelling non-essential appointments and procedures

Notice to our members and neighbors:

As of today, March 16, 2020, Somerset Sports & Fitness is closing until further notice.

Your health and wellness will always remain our top priority.

In the meantime, get outside and play while the weather cooperates.

Monthly & Weekly Support Groups:
AA
Better Breathers
Cancer Support Group
Diabetes Support Group
Healthy Heart
Narcotics Anonymous
Recovery Group

Community Classes & Events:
Advance Directives
Weigh to Go! & Road to Wellness
National Diabetes Prevention Program
Safe Sitter
Advanced Care Planning

In addition, Rehab & Fitness Services Community Pool and Somerset Sports & Fitness are closed until further notice.

The RFGH administration may make additional decisions concerning scheduled classes, group meetings, and presentations to the community in the interest of community health. We appreciate your support and understanding.

As the world-wide coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, we know this may be a source of growing concern for you and your family. Redington-Fairview General Hospital and our family of health care providers have been actively preparing as a resource for the communities we serve. We want to assure you that keeping our patients, families, and staff safe and well is our top priority during this time.

The Maine CDC has helpful information to assist the community in keeping the outbreak from spreading. Click here to read more about protecting yourself and family.

Thank you to the Morning Sentinel readers for voting RFGH as #1 for Medical Office/Health Facility. The 3rd Annual Morning Sentinel Best of the Best Reader's Choice Awards are determined based on ballots submitted in November 2019 by the newspaper's readers. CLICK HERE to be redirected to the Morning Sentinel website and view all of the Reader's Choice Awards recipients.