At Tidelands Health, we are continuing to provide the safe, quality, compassionate care our patients expect.
As our region’s largest health care provider, Tidelands Health is accustomed to caring for patients with potentially infectious illnesses. We are drawing on that expertise to guide our response, in alignment with CDC guidelines, to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
What visitor restrictions are in place at Tidelands Health?
With certain restrictions and precautions, hospitalized patients at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital may be visited by one designated adult patient support partner per day between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For the safety of patients, their loved ones and our team members, the following exceptions apply:
- Patients in the emergency department and the critical care unit may not be visited by a patient support partner.
- Patients in COVID-19 isolation may not be visited by a patient support partner.
Exceptions may be made for end-of-life situations and other special circumstances.
All patient support partners will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the door, including a temperature check, as part of Tidelands Health’s Safe in Our Care initiative. Anyone with a temperature over 100 degrees will not be allowed to enter. A face mask must be worn at all times on Tidelands Health property.
Family, friends, church members and others who wish to offer support to patients can visit virtually via video call or send a cheer card. Patient loved ones may also create a free, personal site through caringbridge.org to share news, schedule support for errands and household chores, set up a meal train and more.
As a reminder:
- The hospital cafeterias are open only for patients, designated patient support partners and staff.
- Patients who need assistance from the business office should reach out by phone. For the Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital business office, call 843-652-1020. For the business office at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, call 843-652-8201.
- Vendors are only allowed when necessary to support critical hospital functions.
What kind of screening can patients expect at Tidelands Health hospitals?
To help prevent the spread of coronavirus in our community, patients arriving at Tidelands Health locations will be screened, including a temperature check. All patients and visitors will be required to wear a mask for the protection of other patients and staff. Those who do not wish to wear a mask will be required to reschedule for a later time. As always, no patient who needs emergency care is ever turned away.
I have a doctor's appointment scheduled, but I’m concerned about getting the virus. Should I keep my appointment?
We have rigorous infection prevention protocols in place to protect our patients, team members and the community.
However, if you are not feeling well or have concerns you may have the COVID-19 coronavirus, please call your physician’s office in advance to notify the staff. The office will provide further instructions.
Will my surgery or procedure be postponed?
Tidelands Health hospitals, physician offices and outpatient locations have largely resumed normal operations, including elective surgeries, imaging procedures, rehabilitation services and more. If you had an appointment postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you will be contacted by a Tidelands Health team member to reschedule. If you need to schedule a new appointment, please call your provider’s office or 1-866-TIDELANDS for assistance. In an emergency, always call 911.
Do I need to wear a mask at Tidelands Health care locations?
All patients, visitors and team members are required to wear a face covering or mask in all Tidelands Health care locations. To help us conserve our supply, please bring your own face covering with you – a mask, bandanna, neck gaiter or scarf will work. If you don’t have a face covering, we will supply one before you enter the building, but you are strongly encouraged to bring your own.
How do I know which entrance to use at Tidelands Health hospitals?
Some public entrances at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital and Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital are temporarily closed. You can find a map showing which entrances are available by clicking here.
Is Tidelands Health testing coronavirus patients?
Yes, several testing options are available to accommodate our community’s unique needs. For more information about testing, please click here. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Please do not come to an emergency department to be tested.
What are the tents I see outside certain physician practices?
These tents are NOT public testing sites for COVID-19. The tents at physician practices support patients with scheduled appointments.
How do I get in touch with the Tidelands Health business office?
Patients who need assistance from the business office should reach out by phone. For the Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital business office, call 843-652-1020. For the business office at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, call 843-652-8201.
How do I request medical records?
Medical records can be accessed through the Tidelands Health patient portal, or requests may be sent by mail. You may also request records by phone. For Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, call 843-520-8404. For Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, call 843-652-1098. To speak with a team member in the health information management department, call 843-527-7426.
