Jan L. Bergen, CEO, Lancaster General Health
For patients across the country, seeking health care during the COVID-19 pandemic can be an anxiety-filled proposition. In many cases, it’s also a necessity.
In the initial weeks of the pandemic, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health temporarily suspended most elective procedures and appointments. At the same time, many patients avoided seeking care in all but the most urgent situations.
Since LG Health began restoring services in May, we have taken significant steps to protect our patients and staff. We know that in order to return to us for care, our patients need to feel safe.
Enhanced cleaning protocols, pre-procedure testing, reconfigured waiting rooms, temperature screenings and masking at all facilities are just a few of the unprecedented safety measures LG Health has implemented within the past several months.
Two patients who received necessary health care during the pandemic recently shared their experiences. It’s gratifying to read how your dedicated and compassionate efforts led them to feel safe and reassured, despite the challenging circumstances.
Jobany “Jio” Bedoya went into cardiac arrest after playing soccer in the early days of the pandemic. Following a successful catheterization procedure, the Ephrata father of three continued his recovery at home.
Jio’s care team at The Heart Group guided him to make lifestyle changes. While he initially met with his team via video visits, Bedoya eventually transitioned to in-person appointments. He appreciates the safety precautions in place, which include spacing of patient appointments and enhanced disinfecting procedures in the exam rooms.
“Not once did I fear that I was unsafe,” Bedoya said.
Theresa Timbario, of Leola, had a similar experience following a recurrence of her breast cancer. COVID-19 began to spread across Pennsylvania when she was in the midst of her 33 radiation treatments.
Theresa was anxious at first, but she found support and reassurance from her care team and the highly visible safety measures in place at Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.
“The staff explained everything to me and answered all my questions,” she said. “I felt very relaxed and safe.”
For both Jio and Theresa, receiving high-quality care is just part of their positive experience at LG Health. Our ongoing efforts to create an overall feeling of safety are clearly very important to all of our patients right now.
During these uncertain times, our patients must understand and believe that we are doing all we can to keep them safe. Thank you for taking the time to offer reassurance and alleviate fears as we strive to provide safe, high-quality health care to everyone in our community.