Lodi Hospital Suspends Admission Of Non-Coronavirus Patients Amid Surge Of Cases Among Staff

LODI (CBS13) – Adventist Health Lodi Memorial announced it has temporarily suspended admission of non-coronavirus patients as the hospital has experienced a surge in positive cases among staff.

"If anything happens, where am I supposed to go? What am I supposed to do," Heather Marin, who lives near the hospital, said.

The hospital said fewer than 30 staff members tested positive within the last week and the remaining staff will be tested consistently over the next 14 days to identify any additional cases.

"It was a little concerning because anything could happen here then...what if somebody...you never know where they're going to have to go," Jasmine Canela said.

In a statement sent to CBS13, a spokesperson for Adventist Health Lodi Memorial said:

"The current environment does not impact the entire Lodi hospital and its services. Its medical-surgical unit, operating room, OB, emergency department, ICU and medical offices remain open to safely care for patients. In addition, every staff member working in those areas has tested negative for COVID-19 and will only work in areas not affected by the virus.

Everyone can come to the hospital for treatment through our emergency department. Women in labor are also welcome to come. We can treat all injuries and emergencies, however, non-COVID patients needing to be admitted will be transferred to Dameron. Ambulance services are being conducted as usual."

Dameron Hospital in Stockton is managed by Adventist Health.

"I would rather go to the hospital that's right down the street instead of having to drive all the way to Stockton for something, especially if it's an emergency," Marin said.

Daniel Wolcott, president of both hospitals, said the facilities have been preparing for this type of coronavirus surge since the pandemic began.

"We are grateful and very appreciative to the entire Adventist Health team, who continue to go above and beyond to serve our communities with compassion and professionalism," Wolcott said. "They are healthcare heroes in every sense of the word."

"The safety and well-being of our nurses, associates, physicians and patients are our top priority," says Dr. Patricia Iris, medical officer of Adventist Health Lodi Memorial. "Despite strict safety protocols, training and use of personal protective equipment, more of our staff began testing positive this week. As a result, we decided to test all associates working in the hospital to give us a more complete understanding of the spread."

Some said they understand this is another change they'll have to adjust to amid the pandemic.

"We going to have to adjust to a lot of new things so yes I do," Marin said.

"I don't know if I'll really like that but they have to do what they have to do I guess," Canela said.

A spokesperson said that those staffer members who have tested positive are self-isolating, in quarantine and not working.