Inspira Health Announces First COVID-19 Patients

On March 15, two patients presented to the emergency department of Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill. The first patient was symptomatic for COVID-19 and identified as high risk. This patient was admitted to the hospital. The second patient was not symptomatic and not considered high risk. This patient was sent home to self-quarantine, consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also in accordance with federal and state guidelines, both individuals were tested for COVID-19 on March 15. Earlier today, the Department of Health notified us that both patients tested positive.

The symptomatic patient works in the Radiation Oncology Department at Inspira Medical Center Vineland. Following guidance from the CDC, patients and staff who had direct contact with the symptomatic patient were notified. The department is temporarily closed, and patient appointments will be rescheduled. Patients and staff who had direct contact with this employee have been offered testing as well as mental health counseling.

The asymptomatic patient works in the Surgical Services Departments at Inspira Medical Centers Elmer, Mullica Hill and Vineland. Inspira is reaching out to patients and staff who had direct contact with the asymptomatic patient, as recommended by the CDC and Department of Health. All patients and staff are being asked to self-quarantine. All patients and staff are being offered an opportunity for testing as well as mental health counseling and guidance on when to contact a health care provider.

Inspira, and health systems across the state, are also taking other measures to keep their patients and employees safe. Inspira has adopted a “no visitation” policy with very limited exceptions. Elective procedures are also being canceled. Visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org for more details.

For more information about Inspira Health, please visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA. To stay connected with Inspira announcements and work being done in the community, please join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

About Inspira Health

Inspira Health is a charitable nonprofit health care organization and a regional leader in physician training, with approximately 160 medical residents and fellows in nine nationally accredited specialty programs. The system, which traces its roots to 1899, comprises three hospitals, a comprehensive cancer center, several multi-specialty health centers and a total of more than 150 access points. These include urgent care; outpatient imaging and rehabilitation; sleep medicine labs; cardiac testing facilities; digestive health and wound care centers; home care and hospice; and more than 30 primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, Camden and Atlantic counties.
 

Together with its medical staff of more than 1,300 physicians and other care providers, as well as more than 6,000 employees, Inspira Health provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Accredited by DNV Healthcare, the system’s clinical and support staffs are focused on providing quality care in a safe environment. For more information about Inspira Health, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.