Tower Health continues to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and its potential impact on the health of our communities and operations at Tower Health hospitals, outpatient facilities, and physician offices. We are following the latest recommendations from both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) for the assessment and care of patients suspected to have COVID-19, as well as managing and treating those with confirmed cases based on the severity of their symptoms. Additionally, Tower Health physicians and clinical staff are taking all proper precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus.
"Our team manages infectious diseases in our community every day, and COVID-19, while new, is no exception," said Clint Matthews, Tower Health President and CEO. "We have been monitoring and preparing for this situation since the outbreak was announced in January. We have had plans in place for these types of public health issues even before COVID-19 arrived in our region. The health and safety of our patients, community, and employees are always the top priority of our team. I am grateful for the commitment of our employees to keep our patients and community educated and healthy."
All Tower Health facilities have infection prevention and response protocols in place allowing us to act quickly and safely. Infection Prevention teams across the system are working around the clock to provide the latest information to our physicians, employees, patients, and visitors to keep them aware, educated, and safe. Tower Health follows guidelines set forth by both the federal government and the Pennsylvania Department of Health for the appropriate evaluation, testing, and care of patients with suspected cases of COVID-19. Additionally, our facilities are taking all proper precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus and educating our patients, employees, and communities to do the same.
Debra Powell, MD, Chief, Section of Infectious Disease and Medical Director Infection Prevention at Reading Hospital - Tower Health emphasizes that prevention is the best defense against COVID-19. "Each of us can help prevent the spread of any infectious disease through frequent hand washing with soap and water, use of hand sanitizers, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, minimizing touching of one's face, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and staying home while sick."
For additional information, visit towerhealth.org/COVID19.
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 22 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.