Oswego Health sets up tent for new entrance to emergency department

OSWEGO, N.Y. — Oswego Health has opened a tent to triage all emergency room (ER) walk-in visits as the number of COVID-19 cases increases.

In addition to having all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, supplies, and staff, Oswego Health has constructed a tent outside the emergency department at Oswego Hospital to assist with screening of patients prior to entering the facility. It’s part of Oswego Health’s preparedness plan, the organization said in a news release.

As of Monday, Oswego Health will staff the triage tent between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. for patient screening. Appointments aren’t needed but only one patient may enter the emergency department triage tent at a time.

Patients are asked to call (315) 349-5842 upon arrival and the emergency department will provide further instructions.

“Oswego Health has been looking for ways to collaborate and help our community physicians and their patients. This tent will assist with proper screening of patients to limit exposures of primary care providers and ER staff to COVID-19.” Dr. Duane Tull, chief medical officer, said.

All patients arriving at Oswego Hospital ER will first be evaluated in the triage tent and cleared for any respiratory illness before continuing into the emergency room at the hospital. If a patient does have symptoms of respiratory illness, a provider will continue evaluating the individual in the tent, Oswego Health said.