Piggott Community Hospital suspending visitation due to virus

Piggott Community Hospital continues to battle on the front lines of the current COVID-19 pandemic, and have tested dozens of area residents for the virus. Looking for other ways to stem its spread locally, they have also made changes to their visitation policy. Beginning today, Wednesday, April 1, visitors are no longer allowed in the facility.

PCH Administrator James L. Magee reports the local hospital had conducted 89 tests for the coronavirus as of Monday, with two of those positive. As with the first positive test from last week, the second person testing positive for the coronavirus was also a resident of Dunklin County, Mo.

“We’re using the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines to determine the risk factor of patients,” Magee said of the issue. “The tests from those who are considered high risk are being sent to the ADH lab, while the others are being sent to a commercial lab. Those sent to the commercial lab are coming back a little quicker due to the state’s workload.”

As of the first of the week, the hospital was awaiting the return of the results of 12 of the 89 tests conducted locally.

Early last week, PCH announced that one person had tested positive at the local hospital and indicated at the time they were from Dunklin County—making their way to the facility for testing. On Monday, Magee noted another person had since tested positive and was also from the Missouri Bootheel.

“Most of those tested have been sent home to self-quarantine, but there are some who we have quarantined here in the hospital based on their symptoms,” he added.

Magee also reported the local hospital is not experiencing any of the shortages noted on the national scene, and indicated he was keeping a close eye on the situation.

“We’re just not seeing the shortages some hospitals are having,” he offered. “We have no real shortages at this time, but I get a report on the personnel protection items every day and so far we’re in good shape.”

In response to the continued spread of the deadly virus, PCH limited visitation last week. On Tuesday Magee announced all visitation was being suspended, and until further notice, except in extremely unique situations.

“Family members who want to check on their loved ones may call the hospital and ask for a charge nurse,” Magee explained. “They can also talk to Tonny Dement, our clinical director, or they may ask to speak with the person’s principal care physician or our medical director, Dr. (JT) DeWitt to get information.”

Magee indicated the decision to suspend all visitation was reached at a meeting on Tuesday morning, slated to be implemented the following day. Those wanting to reach the hospital may call 870 598-3881.