Your Health. Our Heroes.

Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

• Is the hospital clean and safe?

  Our hospital is clean and safe - just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility. Our Environmental Services (EVS) department stays up to date with the most effective cleaning and disinfection protocols available in healthcare. The EVS Team has increased the cleaning frequency within the common areas of the hospital such as reception areas and hallways. High touch areas such as chairs, desks, hand rails and elevators will remain a constant focus for the EVS Team throughout their shifts.

• Do you have the supplies and capacity to accommodate my procedure?

  Our clinical teams conduct "go/no-go" meetings in which they will review crucial supplies such as PPE, medications, blood, space and staffing to ensure that we have enough to comfortably care for those undergoing elective/non-urgent procedures AND accommodate our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.

• Do you have enough staff to resume elective/non-urgent procedures?

  Our team regularly monitors staffing levels to ensure a safe environment for all patients, providers and employees. In addition, we screen all employees daily, upon every entry, for COVID-19 symptoms. We are confident that we have the appropriate staff and providers necessary for elective and non-urgent procedures while also accommodating our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.

• Will my experience be the same as in the past?

  Your experience in our facility may look a little different than in the past, but this is because we have new processes and procedures in place to further protect your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• What should I expect during my procedure?

  Upon arrival at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions in accordance with the CDC. You should wear the proper face mask/covering at all times while in the facility and you will be provided with a mask if you do not have one. (If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that.)

  We are operating under a zero-visitation protocol out of an abundance of caution. Some exceptions may apply, click here to learn more. We may need to gather contact information so we can follow up with family members or loved ones, to provide an update after your procedure and share instructions for pick up. 

  You can expect to not see another patient while you are here, and that is intentional. We are currently trying to minimize overlap in an effort to promote social distancing, conserve resources, and protect the safety of all of our patients and employees.

  You are going to be asked COVID-19 screening questions multiple times by multiple people, up until you are admitted for your procedure. You may get tired of these questions, but we assure you they are for your health and safety, and that of our staff. 

  You may never see the faces of your care team members under their protective equipment. We do regret this, as the personal connections we have with our patients and community are what keep us going. However, this is an important precaution we are taking to protect you and our clinical staff.

• What questions will I be asked during the screening?

  The questions are part of our standard COVID-19 screening process and include asking if you have....

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough 
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea

  Whenever you are asked, please answer these screening questions honestly. If your procedure has to be postponed, it will be just that: postponed. It does NOT mean it will be canceled, and we will work with you to reschedule as soon as possible.

• How will I prepare for my procedure?

  Though not a requirement, you will be strongly encouraged to practice "safer at home" behaviors for up to seven (7) days to minimize potential exposure prior to your procedure. This means going a step further from social distancing - trying only to leave your home for critical needs such as groceries or going to the pharmacy. If you need to leave for an essential purpose, or for work, it is strongly recommended that you wear a mask in public settings, and where practicing social/physical distancing is difficult to achieve, you should be even more diligent about proper hand hygiene. You are also asked to monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and to check your temperature and record it twice a day during this seven-day period. You should report any temperature above 100°F to your provider. Finally, you will be tested for COVID-19 prior to your procedure as an additional precaution.

  If you are having an imaging procedure, you will be screened and masked, but not tested for COVID-19.

• Will I be tested for COVID-19?

  If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be tested for COVID-19 prior to your procedure. Your provider will place the order for the test, and the hospital will reach out with instructions for scheduling. If your test happens to be positive, your procedure will be postponed, and you will be given instructions related to your care. If you are having an imaging procedure, you will be screened and masked, but not tested for COVID-19.

• Can my family member/spouse/friend/caregiver come with me to the facility?

  Right now, Fauquier Health is operating under a zero-visitation protocol. When you arrive, you can park and enter through the front lobby entrance, or be dropped off by your family member/spouse/friend/caregiver at the front lobby entrance. We will gather contact information, if needed, so we can provide an update and share instructions for pick up at the same location. Some exceptions may apply. Click here to learn more.

• What happens when I arrive for my procedure?

  When you arrive at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions and provided with a cloth mask (if you do not already have one). If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that.

• Will I be treated near COVID-19 patients?

  We are not performing elective/non-urgent procedures on COVID-19 positive patients at this time.

  All patients who test positive, or those who are under investigation, for an infectious disease, including COVID-19, are isolated for treatment in accordance with Virginia Health Department and CDC guidelines.

• If I have additional questions about my procedure, who should I contact?

  If you have any questions, please call our central scheduling team at 540.316.5800.