Local COVID testing:

At-Home Test Kits: 

We have FREE COVID antigen tests available for at-home testing. These are available upon request (while supplies last) at the hospital Admitting or Newport Health Center greeter stations.

PCR Lab Testing:

At this time, NHHS staff members are collecting samples from patients who have provider orders for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 tests. Providers will send the order to the laboratory, and patients will be met outside the main hospital in a protected area to collect their samples.  Currently, NHHS does not provide COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic individuals seeking travel or entertainment test results.

COVID-19 Lab Test Collection Instructions:

As of March 16th, Newport Community Hospital has transitioned from drive-thru to walk-up COVID-19 testing. Please follow these guidelines for all outpatient COVID-19 testing / sample collection:

Step 1: Get a doctor’s order for the COVID-19 test.

• Have your doctor’s office fax the order to Newport Community Hospital at (509) 447-6397.

Step 2: Call (509) 447-2441 to pre-register with Admitting for your test.

• If you are already at the hospital and need to pre-register, please park across the street from the hospital (along Scott St.) in the designated pre-registration area (look for the pre-registration signs).
• Once we have the doctor’s order, we can pre-register you when you call. Please have your insurance information available when you call.
• You will be given a confirmation number to present upon test collection.
  

Step 3: Walk to the marked COVID collection hospital entrance (from the main hospital parking lot) and call the Laboratory at (509) 447-9301. A lab technician will meet you at the door to take your sample.

COVID-19 Collection Tent Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 12 PM / 2 PM – 5 PM (pre-registration closes at 4 PM)
Saturday: 9 AM – 12 PM    Sunday: CLOSED

Beginning 3/22/2022, the self-pay price for the test is approximately $174, but this is subject to change. 

 

How long will it take to get my COVID-19 test results?

Due to increased statewide testing demand at our reference laboratory, COVID-19 test results may take as long as 5 days.

For information on how you can receive free at-home test kits, visit https://www.covidtests.gov/. [NOTE: These are personal tests. At-home antigen test results may not be accepted by schools or employers for return-to-work/school confirmation.] 

 

COVID-19 Vaccinations Update

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Mitigation practices at NHHS:

In an effort to reduce any possible risk of coronavirus transmission (COVID-19) in or through our health care services, NHHS has elected to initiate some mitigation practices which will affect people accessing our facilities. 

Face masks are required inside all NHHS buildings. For more information, please visit our face masks resource page.

 

Changes to Hours of Operation (beginning Monday, June 8, 2020):

• Newport Community Hospital – The main hospital entrance will be unlocked from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Emergency Room will still be available for those patients with immediate health concerns or surgery patients instructed to arrive before 7:00 AM.
• Newport Health Center:
  • Staff working hours will be from 7:00 AM -5:30 PM.  First appointments begin at 8:00 AM; last appointments begin either at 4:00 PM (for a 30 min appointment) or 4:15 PM (for a 15 min appointment).   Phones operated from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Doors will open at 7:45 AM and will be locked at 5:00 PM.  (Saturday schedule remains the same as before, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
• Laboratory:
  • Outpatient hours from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (weekend hours are the same as before, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
• Radiology:
  • Outpatient hours from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Weekend hours are 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
• Physical Therapy:
  • Outpatient hours from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

Operational Changes & Updates:

• Patient Financials Services representatives are available by telephone or appointment during regular office hours (Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Call (509) 447-9351 to schedule an appointment.

• Until further notice, the only public access into the hospital building will be through the front main entrance. Patients needing services in the hospital will need to enter through the main hospital entrance along Scott Avenue and Pine Street.

Screening and Visitation:

• When asked, every person (patients, visitors, vendors, meeting members, etc.) entering the hospital building will be screened for any risk factors for COVID-19.
• Visiting restrictions are in place. This is a temporary change as part of our infection prevention measures against COVID-19. 
• People sick with a fever or cough and have a higher risk for complications from severe respiratory infections (age 60+, have a chronic medical condition, or are pregnant) should call their healthcare provider and ask if they need to be evaluated in person. This decision is the healthcare provider’s to make.
• Other people with mild illness who are concerned about their health can call their healthcare provider to discuss COVID-19 testing and other possible reasons for their illness.
• Everyone entering Newport Health Center will be screened, including  patient companions. They will be asked a series of questions and have their temperature taken before entrance is allowed. Visiting restrictions are in place.
• In order to keep our high-risk residents safe, visiting restrictions are in place at River Mountain Village Advanced Care and River Mountain Village Assisted Living. Letters have been sent to residents’ family members notifying them of this change.

Patient Surge Planning

• We are working with Washington State Hospital Association and regional providers in reviewing plans to prepare alternative care sites in the event of a local patient surge.

Ways to minimize exposure:

• Wear a mask! 
• Practice social distancing: deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Concerned about delivering your baby in the hospital?

Newport Community Hospital’s Family Birth Center continues to deliver babies in a safe and secure environment for you and your new arrival. Read Dr. Tessa Reinke’s recent blog article COVID-19 Fear Shouldn’t Force a Home Birth for sound professional research to assist you in making your childbirth decision.

Concerned about seeing your provider for routine care?

It’s more important than ever that you continue taking care of your health, even during a pandemic. If you’re experiencing a health concern but are worried about visiting your primary care provider, we understand. Our Newport Health Center providers are utilizing virtual visits, phone visits, and in-person visits when necessary. Your health and safety is our #1 concern…do not delay your care.

It is especially important that children are vaccinated on time, especially babies birth to 24 months, followed by 4-6-year-olds. This is the best way to protect them from vaccine preventable diseases. Stay Healthy, Stay Safe, Stay Vaccinated!

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who donated personal protective equipment (PPE)! We are well-stocked, thanks to your generous donations. For more information click visit our PPE donation page.

Send kudos to NHHS Staff

Additional resources:

• Washington State Department of Health
• Panhandle Health District
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

[Last updated 10/20/2020]