SUMMERSVILLE, WV (WOAY) – This week, Summersville Regional Medical Center has been doing drive-thru testing for COVID-19 every day.
The drive-thru method is the same. Patients drive up, give their name and get the swab. However, at Summersville Regional Medical Center, how they get the doctor’s order to come is a little different as they have three methods.
If your medical provider is already affiliated with the hospital or WVU Medicine, the order automatically goes into what they call the Epic system.
If not, you can still be tested, either you or your medical provider will need to call the Nurse Navigator at (304) 598-6000 (Choose Option 4, then Option 1).
Hospital CEO Karen Bowling says the navigator will then help put the order in for you if you are having symptoms.
“I think it’s really important for people to understand that these sites are still for patients with symptoms,” she said. “As we talk through this, we would all like to get to a point where anyone who wants a test can get one, but as I think everyone is aware, the supplies are still limited of the testing kits, so that’s why we still have to do it based on criteria.”
Staff members will be waiting for patients in what looks like a small house at their front entrance.
We have seen the typical table and tent set up but once Summersville’s typical setup blew over in the strong winds, the community came together and provided a shelter.
“It’s worked out just wonderfully,” Bowling said. “We don’t have to worry about the weather. We don’t have to worry about, you know, our employees being cold. We want them to be comfortable obviously. We have really a great setup at the Summersville Regional Medical Center drive-thru testing and we’re excited to be able to offer this to our community.”
And Bowling says one of the main reasons she is able to provide this service is because of her staff who have volunteered to do the testing.
She says it is a testament to the kind of people she has working in the hospital.
“I think really our whole community needs to salute because I know I do every day salute the healthcare workers that are here, frontlines, doing their job.”
The drive-thru testing will be offered Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
