I get asked this quite a lot.
How have the hospitals changed since the pandemic? Have they changed? What is it like when you go there?
So- here is what I know for us in the Omaha, Nebraska area:
It has altered some depending on the severity and CDC guidelines throughout the pandemic, yet one of the biggest changes upon entering is that everyone gets screened and temperature checks and must wear a mask. Not only are you screened upon entering- or even outside before parking, you are "screened" again at whatever department you go to.
Once inside and screened social distancing is still adhered to and we have been put into a room much quicker than usual. (Many times we do get put into a room anyhow as Emily is immune suppressed) Also only one adult has been allowed most of the entire time with the pediatric patient and no siblings.
Then procedures are pretty much the same, however; the staff all wear masks, eye shields and sometimes gloves and gowns depending on the situation. There are some other changes as well, but if you are not someone who frequents a hospital you may not even notice that these things are out of the norm.
I did take a few pics of our view as we entered one of the facilities we frequent. At this hospital everyone parks and enters at the same location- doctors and all. We are all in a line for screening and then you go to your designated appointments/areas where you are asked similar questions, but no temp check.
So there's the answer. Some things are similar, the halls and waiting rooms are a bit more sparse than usual, yet some aspects are quite different and perhaps even better for all as part of the reason one goes to a clinic or hospital is because they are sick.
This past Sunday Emily's visit to the ER made me think of another topic I will cover soon.
