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Prisma Health Lila Doyle reopens limited outdoor visitation

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health Lila Doyle reopened its Seneca nursing care facility to limited outdoor visitation this week. 

In accordance with federal and state guidance, Prisma Health Lila Doyle will follow all recommendations to ensure that residents, family members and team members remain safe during outdoor visitation. 

Outdoor visitation at Lila Doyle will be offered Monday–Friday, 2–5 p.m., and potential visitors must call ahead of time to schedule a slot. Visitation is limited to two people, and visitors must be at least 12 years of age. In addition to the new outdoor visitation on weekdays, window visits will continue to be available on Saturdays. Visitors should arrive 15 minutes in advance to be screened. 

Visits are only for 15 minutes unless the visitor provides a negative COVID-19 test from the previous five days or a positive antibody test within the past 30 days. Visitors must notify the scheduler of those test results on the initial phone call as well as provide written proof upon arrival. Visitors who provide documentation may visit up to 60 minutes. 

The outdoor visitation will be held in Lila Doyle’s courtyard and is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather and other issues, including if a resident or staff tests positive for COVID-19. 

Both residents and visitors will wear surgical masks during the visit, with visitors also asked to wear masks to and from vehicles. Social distancing of at least six feet during visitation must be observed. Because of the risk of spreading COVID-19 or flu – and the potentially catastrophic impact this could have on this vulnerable group – visitors will be unable to make physical contact with their loved ones during visits. 

“We know that socially-distanced visits will be tough for families so we want to apologize in advance. But we know that, more than anything else, families want to keep their loved ones safe,” said Cole Brown, administrator of post-acute operations for Prisma Health. “That is our goal as well, as is keeping our team members and other visitors safe. We know that this has been a challenging time for everyone and very much appreciate everyone’s patience.” 

Plans are underway to provide indoor visitation opportunities once Oconee County’s per capita COVID-19 positivity rate falls under 10 percent, which is required by federal guidelines. 

To schedule an outdoor visit or get more information, call visitation coordinators Regina Taylor at 864-885-7678 or Catherine Rainey at 864-885-7629. For additional information on the new outdoor visitation, visit PrismaHealth.org/LilaDoyle.

Three-times-a-week stationary free community-based coronavirus testing site in Midlands moves to new location

Press Release

COLUMBIA, SC—Prisma Health–Midlands has moved its free community-based stationary COVID-19 community testing site to a new location. The testing now is being is held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in October, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Columbia Place Mall, 7201 Two Notch Rd., Columbia. Community members who would like to be tested should drive to the closed Sears store automotive entrance.

The community testing, primarily done in partnership with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and state agencies, is intended to make testing accessible, affordable and convenient. 

Here is what community members should know about community testing sites:

  • All those who think they might have COVID-19 will be tested.
  • No one needs a doctor’s order at community sites. (Physician-ordered testing is done at Prisma Health’s hospital-based testing sites.)
  • Testing will be given regardless of ability to pay.
  • All testing will be finished by 2 p.m.; organizers suggest arriving early to secure your place in the testing line.
  • Spanish-speaking Prisma Health team members will be available at every site.
  • All those taking part will be given masks when they arrive. They will also be asked to maintain social distancing.
  • Test results should come back within four days.
  • Everyone tested will receive follow-up information about test results – whether positive or negative – from providers at Prisma Health.
  • Everyone will get tips on isolating at home if sick, caring for themselves and seeking more help if symptoms worsen.

For more information on Prisma Health’s COVID-19 outreach, visit PrismaHealth.org/Coronavirus. For more information on COVID-19 testing in S.C., visit SCDHEC.gov/COVID19MobileClinics or SCDHEC.gov/COVID19Testing.

About Prisma Health

Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,947 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

Prisma Health launches mobile mammography clinic in the Upstate

Press Release

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health–Upstate this week launched a mobile mammography clinic that will serve the entire Upstate, potentially serving as many as 3,000-4,000 women in its first year.

Essentially a mammography clinic on wheels, the 42-foot specialty clinic will offer 2D and 3D screening mammograms. The mobile mammography clinic team includes two mammography technologists. As with all mammograms conducted by Prisma Health, the results are read by board-certified radiologists.

The clinic makes a screening mammogram convenient by going directly to partner sites in the Upstate. Sites will include area businesses, some physician practices and community partners such as local free clinics working with the Best Chance Network (BCN). BCN is South Carolina’s breast and cervical cancer screening program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and housed within the Division of Cancer at S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

“Early detection is the best medicine for breast health,” said Valerie Tucker, manager of Prisma Health’s mobile clinic initiatives in the Upstate, which also includes a mobile health clinic focused on primary medical care.

“By taking the mobile mammography clinic to companies and neighborhoods, lives can be saved,” said Kris Miles, manager of Prisma Health Imaging Services. “Community outreach is vital to Prisma Health’s purpose, and we’re excited to provide this service.”

Any mammograms provided to insured patients on the mammography clinic will be billed to the individual’s insurance. Screening mammograms are covered by most insurance plans.  

Prisma Health is already working with partners through its Business Health Solutions initiative, such as Canal Insurance, to schedule visits at the mobile clinic. It plans to work with other business in the Upstate as well.

“Canal Insurance is proud to work with Prisma Health Business Solutions to help bring this much-needed service to our female employees,” said Laura Beth Medley, Chief Human Resources and Corporate Communications Officer for Canal Insurance.

The Best Chance Network also provides no-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who meet BCN’s eligibility requirements. Visit SCDHEC.gov/BCN to learn more about this program.

“We value the health of South Carolinians, and that includes our state’s women—moms, sisters, aunts and friends,” said Brannon Traxler, MD, DHEC Interim Public Health Director. “We know that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. That’s why we’re partnering with Prisma Health and others to offer this convenient, free BCN screening to Upstate women.”  

The need for early detection is personal for Tucker, who was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in August 2018 after finding a Jolly Rancher-sized lump during an at-home breast exam. Only 34 when diagnosed, she was doing the exam because other relatives had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation and has been clear for 1½ years.

“I hope this new service will, both literally and figuratively, be a driving force for change in the Upstate for early detection,” said the self-described breast cancer warrior. “Remembering to do regular checks and schedule mammograms – as well as follow up on other regular screenings – can make a huge difference in our health. Set a breast self-exam reminder on your phone and, if you feel something, please go get it checked out.”

Potential partners must meet at least the following requirements to host mobile mammography event:

  • Have at least 15 eligible patients.
  • Provide a site coordinator to help with screening logistics.
  • Schedule a site visit with Prisma Health at least one month prior to desired date.
  • Have a level paved area that will accommodate the van, which requires a 10-parking-space footprint.

To discuss partner eligibility and additional questions, email Mobile.Mammography@PrismaHealth.org or call 864-455-9800.

Prisma Health already has a mobile mammography clinic operating in the Midlands.

Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital opens a pharmacy on its campus

Press Release

Columbia, SC—Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital has opened Pharmacy 11 on its campus. The pharmacy in Medical Office Building 1, Suite 220 (second floor), 115 N. Sumter St., Sumter. The hours are Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturdays: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; Sundays: 1–5 p.m.

“We are extremely pleased to be open and ready to serve not only the hospital team but the entire Sumter community,” said Lewis Overbay, supervisor of Prisma Health’s pharmacy sites. “There are some very good pharmacies already in the community, but the need for more is evident. “Our goal is to provide excellent patient care and the highest service possible, especially for those who utilize the medical practices and other services on the Tuomey Hospital campus.”

Michelle Logan-Owens, the hospital’s chief executive officer, added, “The convenient location makes it easy for our patients to obtain their medications immediately following their appointments, and team members can pick up their medications while at work.”

The pharmacy will have on hand the top 400 medicines ordered by area physicians, making it easier for patients to pick up their prescriptions without having to leave the campus.  It will also eventually offer adult immunizations such as influenza, influenza HD (for those over age 65), Tdap (which is important for parents, grandparents or others who have close contact with an infant), the pneumococcal vaccine (recommended for those age 65 or older to protect against pneumonia) and the zoster vaccine to protect against shingles.

Pharmacy 11 at Tuomey Hospital can bill most insurances for these immunizations. For those without insurance coverage, competitive cash pricing is offered, and no prescription is needed. For details, call 803-774-8772.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and South Carolina’s largest private employer. With nearly 32,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,984 beds, and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. The organization was formed in late 2017 when Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health came together, officially becoming Prisma Health in January 2019. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

Prisma Health launches aggressive systemwide flu vaccination campaign

Press Release

Reduced-cost vaccines available systemwide, limited free vaccines available at some sites

GREENVILLE, SC—Prisma Health has launched an aggressive systemwide flu-vaccination campaign with reduced-cost flu vaccinations being offered throughout its physician offices, hospitals, mobile clinics, community outreach, business-health sites or additional flu-vaccine events in 11 counties across the Midlands and Upstate. Information on Prisma Health’s flu prevention efforts can be found on a dedicated webpage, PrismaHealth.org/Flu.

Prisma Health hopes to vaccinate approximately 200,000 people over the 2020 flu season, a record for the state’s largest healthcare system.

“Even if people have skipped getting the vaccination in years past, now is absolutely the year to get one,” warned Saria Saccocio, MD, Ambulatory Chief Medical Officer at Prisma Health. “Everyone is at risk for getting COVID-19 this year, which means everyone is at risk for the potential of having COVID-19 and flu at the same time. That could be catastrophic for many patients.”  

Flu immunizations will be offered at multiple sites to maximize community access, including some drive-thru clinics that can shift to offer COVID testing, flu immunizations and eventually COVID-19 vaccines. Both Midlands and Upstate will have some flu-only vaccine sites. Prisma Health is working to ensure that everyone throughout its communities has access to the flu immunization. 

“Because the flu vaccine will be so important during this COVID-19 pandemic, our desire is to remove the cost barrier as much as possible,” said Saccocio. “We will continue to process insurance since most insurance plans fully cover the cost of vaccinations but have also taken steps to reduce the cost for self-pay patients by offering a discount for those paying at the time of service. In addition, 18 free flu-vaccine clinics – including some in partnership with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control – will also be held systemwide.

Prisma Health already is offering flu vaccines in many of its clinic sites, as well as immunizing its own team members and working with local businesses and schools to help vaccinate their workers and students. To help time-crimped families, many Prisma Health practices also will offer Saturday flu vaccination clinics. 

 “We are committed to providing this critical support for our communities, especially as we go into this flu season with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Steve Shelton, MD, who heads Prisma Health’s COVID-19 response in the Midlands. “Prisma Health is here to take care of its communities and help ensure that everyone does everything they can to protect themselves at this critical time.”

Community members are urged to get their flu shots as soon as possible to maximize their immune response through the entire flu season. 

“We are proud to do our part but need our community members to continue doing theirs – whether it’s getting their flu vaccines, socially distancing when in public, wearing masks or practicing great hand hygiene. We’re all in this together,” said Wendell James, MD, who heads Prisma Health’s COVID-19 response in the Upstate.

Because flu symptoms closely mirror COVID-19 symptoms, it can be virtually impossible to differentiate between flu and COVID-19 without testing. That means a case of the flu, even if it turns out to be mild, can cause substantial disruption to school and work for patients forced to isolate. 

While flu is highly contagious, flu immunizations can significantly diminish its spread. Even if someone immunized against the flu still gets the flu, their illness is typically less severe and shorter in duration. Virtually everyone, including pregnant women and children six months or older, should be vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart and lung diseases.

Flu vaccines cannot be given to those who have COVID-19 or think they have COVID-19. 

Hospital-based drive-thru flu vaccine sites 

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 15, all Prisma Health hospital-based drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites in the Upstate will begin offering flu immunizations. That includes the sites at Greenville Memorial Hospital, Baptist Easley Hospital, Greer Memorial Hospital, Laurens County Memorial Hospital and Oconee Memorial Hospital. 

  • Greenville Memorial Hospital, weekdays, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 
  • Baptist Easley Hospital, weekdays, 8 a.m.–noon. 
  • Laurens County Memorial Hospital, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • Oconee Memorial Hospital, Tuesdays, 7–11 a.m. 
  • Greer Memorial Hospital, weekdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

In the Midlands, the Richland Hospital-based COVID testing site in Columbia will also launch a drive-thru site at its 14 Medical Park garage on Sept. 15. Hours will be 9 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sundays. 

Midlands’ Tuomey Hospital in Sumter will launch its flu vaccine drive-thru option at its hospital-based COVID-19 testing site on Sept. 29. Flu vaccines will be available weekdays, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Everyone participating in the flu vaccine clinics must wear a mask; if participants do not have a mask, they will be given one.

A limited number of free flu vaccines will also be offered at the following locations. Additional sites may be added as well.

Free flu vaccine clinics in the Upstate

  • Saturday, Sept. 19, Hillcrest Hospital, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., drive-thru clinic for adults 18 and up.
  • Thursday, Sept. 24, Patewood Hospital, 4–7 p.m., drive-thru and walk-in clinic
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30, Washington Baptist Church, Greer, 4:30–7 p.m., walk-in clinic.
  • Monday, Oct. 5, Center for Family Medicine, Greer, 5–7 p.m., drive-thru clinic.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 6, Trailblazer Park, Travelers Rest, 2–7 p.m. This drive-thru event includes walk-up option for walkers and cyclists using the nearby Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
  • Monday, Oct. 19, Center for Family Medicine, Greer, 5–7 p.m., drive-thru clinic.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21, Greer Soup Kitchen, Greer,11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., walk-in clinic.

Immunizations will also be offered to children through pediatric clinic sites. 

Free flu vaccine clinics in the Midlands

These community sites, which are co-sponsored by S.C. DHEC, are primarily drive-thru and target children and adults. Only the Nine Medical Park site is walk-in.

Saturday, Oct. 3

  • Lower Richland High School, Hopkins, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • First Baptist Church, Camden, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Oct. 6–29 (Wednesdays and Thursdays only)

  • Prisma Health, Nine Medical Park Lobby, Columbia, 3–6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10

  • Dent Middle School, Columbia, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Sumter High School, Sumter, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17

  • St. Andrews Middle School, Columbia, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Fairfield Middle School, Winnsboro, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25

  • Brookland Baptist Church, West Columbia, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Dreher High School, Columbia, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31

  • W.A. Perry Middle School, Columbia, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Eau Claire High School, Columbia, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

For more information on Prisma Health’s flu prevention efforts, visit PrismaHealth.org/Flu. The site includes additional information on upcoming flu immunization clinics as well as physician advice about flu symptoms and treatment options.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,984 beds and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.

Prisma Health and Richland County work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the homeless population

Press Release

Program now expanded to other shelters as flu season begins

COLUMBIA, S.C.—Prisma Health and Richland County have collaborated to create a successful Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) team response that has effectively helped halt the spread of COVID-19 among the Midlands region’s homeless population.

As COVID-19 started to spread, Prisma Health was working with Richland County and other agencies to plan for Alternate Care Sites (ACS) to serve the Upstate and Midlands populations if hospitals reached capacity. Although ACS was not needed, the team realized there was a need to be sure that there was not spread of COVID-19 among the homeless population. 

The organizations collaborated with the MIH team, which is part of Richland County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) who has tested potential residents of the downtown Transitions Homeless Center for COVID-19 since May. Bill Gerard, MD, medical director for the Prisma Health–Midlands Emergency Departments and medical director for Richland County Emergency Medical Services, says the program has been very successful. “It has made a huge impact. We haven’t seen a massive outbreak in these members of the community. It is a well-coordinated effort that helped stop the spread.”

Before admitting a potential resident and after a positive COVID-19 screening process, Transitions can request that they be tested for COVID-19, Gerard said. An MIH team member then will come to the shelter to conduct a nasal swab test on the candidate. The swabs go to a Prisma Health lab for processing and analysis. This usually takes about 90-120 minutes.

Potential residents are placed in isolation at Transitions while their samples are processed. Those who test negative for COVID-19 can continue the admission process at the homeless center. If they test positive, they are quarantined away from the shelter if they do not require hospitalization, and other temporary housing options are coordinated.

Michael Byrd, Richland County EMS director, added, “Oftentimes the homeless population is underserved and lacks access to health care. This, coupled with their close living conditions in the various shelters, make them extremely at risk for easy transmission of diseases such as COVID-19.”

Craig Currey, Transitions Homeless Center chief executive officer, believes the service has been critical. He said, “This service has allowed us to remove someone who is sick from a congregate setting and place them in a safer recovery environment. The flexibility of them to come onsite, test the client, and then get the results back immediately has benefited our clients and has been a great help to us. It allows us to continue taking care of a large population of homeless people while removing the extremely few who are sick and make sure they receive the medical care needed.”

Now, leaders of the program have expanded this initiative heading into the winter months, said Gerard. They now serve the residents of the Salvation Army and Toby’s Place in addition to Transitions.

“Providing this kind of care every day is important but during the pandemic it is crucial. We are proud to partner with Richland County to serve our community to fill an unmet need,” Gerard said.

About Prisma Health
Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and South Carolina’s largest private employer. With nearly 32,000 team members, 18 hospitals, 2,984 beds, and more than 300 physician practice sites, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually. Its goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. The organization was formed in late 2017 when Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health came together, officially becoming Prisma Health in January 2019. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.