March 6 2020 – Broward Health is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and has made necessary preparations to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers and the South Florida community.
As one of the largest public health systems in the U.S., our mission is provide access to high quality care to all those we serve. We follow evidence-based guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health. We also have comprehensive infection control policies in place. These protocols are designed to protect those in our hospitals as we care for patients every day.
We best protect our community by working together. Prevention of COVID-19 is the best defense against the virus, and is the responsibility of each member of our community. Prior to visiting hospitals, ambulatory/urgent care centers or doctor’s offices, individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, which include shortness of breath, cough and fever, should call their primary care physician or the Florida Department of Health in Broward County at 954-467-4700. A patient’s doctor or the Department of Health can advise whether that individual should be tested and then, if necessary, coordinate with first responders and hospitals to safely isolate the patient. This process is in place to safeguard the community.
Our team is well-equipped to deliver comprehensive care in adherence to CDC and Department of Health guidelines. We are prepared to treat individuals who may need respiratory support or who have an underlying medical condition. However, most healthy individuals who contract COVID-19 may only experience mild to moderate flu-like symptoms and will not require hospitalization. They will likely be able to recover from the comfort of their homes.
As part of our commitment to prevention, and per the March 4, 2020, recommendation of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, we are taking several steps to further safeguard our valued team members, visitors and patients. Starting at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 6, we began directing visitor traffic through select entrances at each hospital. We are also enhancing question-based screenings for our patients and guests. These screenings will be completed by phone and in person. Guests may be asked to defer their visit for the safety of our patients and caregivers. Visitors seeking more information can visit browardhealth.org/pages/coronavirus.
Our team is dedicated to the health of our community. Please continue to take simple steps to protect yourself and others, including thoroughly washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you are sick.
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. Broward Health will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Broward Health, providing service for more than 80 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.
The mission of Broward Health is to provide quality health care to the people we serve and support the needs of all physicians and employees.
