Rockcastle Regional Stages Tent Triage Area if Need Arises

Out of an abundance of caution and preparedness, Rockcastle Regional has staged a triage area outside its emergency department in the event patient volumes grow amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The tented triage area will only be used in the event of a “surge,” or an increase, in COVID-19 cases in our community. Currently, the emergency department is still operating as usual.

 “This is a step in our emergency preparedness plan so that we are equipped and ready to handle any situation that develops during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Rockcastle Regional’s infection control coordinator Traci Bullens, RN. “The triage area would be available should our community experience what we refer to as ‘surge’ where the number of COVID-19 cases increase quickly.”

The area consists of several tents and stands ready to serve as a triage area to allow those who present to the emergency department with respiratory symptoms to be routed to a different area than potential patients who are in need of traditional emergency care, should a “surge” in COVID-19 cases occur locally.

At this time, Rockcastle Regional doesn’t have any cases of COVID-19 in the facility. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have plans and infection control protocols in place to address any issues that arise in our community.

If you suspect you might have COVID-19, please call Rockcastle Regional’s Hotline at (606) 256-7385. Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, body aches, runny nose, or sore throat. A medical professional answering the call will assess your symptoms and advise you of the steps you should follow.