Hospital implements new ER check in process

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary Community Hospital (BCH) has implemented a new process for Emergency Room check for the safety of patients and staff.

Patients that are driving in are being asked to park in the designated Check-in Parking spot under the Ambulance Bay and call the Registrar phone number listed on the sign.

“Once checked in and screened, a nurse will come out to assess/triage and give further instructions,” stated BCH in a press release. “As always, we are ready 24/7 to serve you and care for our community. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911. Boundary Ambulance is our partner in providing you with excellent emergency care.”

The Acute Care/Emergency lobby is closed and a video intercom has been installed so people may speak with the health unit coordinator directly about their needs.

For Outpatient Services (Lab or X-Ray) on Saturdays, patients are asked to call in advance to ensure that their paperwork is in order. At that time, BCH staff will give instructions on where to park and enter the facility.

COVID-19 tests are ongoing.

BCH has had 29 negative tests for COVID-19 as of April 10 at 11 a.m. Three tests are still pending. All COVID-19 samples accepted at BCH are sent to the Idaho State Lab for testing at this time. The tests are recorded by County of Residence and not by where the samples are taken.

Resources for COVID-19 Questions:

Panhandle Health COVID-19 Information Hotline: 877-415-5225

Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Idaho COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-330-3010

ID Dept. of Health and Welfare

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (MDT)

Link to CDC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Checker: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html