HOLLAND, Michigan — In an effort to protect health care workers and promote social distancing, Holland Hospital opened a COVID-19 drive-thru specimen collection site for referred patients.
The clinic, which opened on March 17, swabbed 77 patients in three days. The first 10 results came back negative. Ottawa County has two confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Friday.
Patients can currently expect results in four to seven days, but Holland Hospital officials say some people may end up not getting results at all.
“There is always that possibility, using the state lab though, that it might be restricted or turned down at this time,” said Gretchen Cosby, who handles medical group clinical operations at Holland Hospital.
Once a patient is swabbed, the clinic has to call state triage nurses to secure a number and be able to send off a specimen for processing, said Cosby.
Cosby said she is responsible for 'making a case' for why a collected specimen should be tested by the state's lab.
“They’re looking for direct exposure to COVID or healthcare professionals that may have been exposed,” Cosby said. “[This includes] people who work in nursing home settings, prisons, jails – these are the people we want to test first.”
The clinic is currently testing around 32 patients per day for both the flu and COVID-19. Officials are working to create more slots.
The hospital’s COVID-19 hotline, which can be reached at 616-394-2080, received 500 calls from prospective patients by March 19. Nurses are screening for high-risk individuals to comply with state guidelines.
Due to the national shortage of test kits and viral transport media, Holland Hospital says only patients who have previously been screened and referred for testing receive and appointment. Nurses will coordinate appointments for patients.
For anyone experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call our FREE COVID-19 SCREENING HOTLINE at (616) 394-2080 from 7 am – 10 pm, 7 days a week to talk with a triage nurse.
Holland Hospital has also suspended all non-essential services, including elective surgeries. Click here for the most up to date information.
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