NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio — Some dental and medical practices are starting to expand services beyond emergencies, which is in line with Governor Mike Dewine’s May 1st directive.
“We’re just happy to be back, it’s good to have some normality for people,” explains McCormack Dental Group’s Dr. Brad McCormack.
The North Ridgeville office had a soft opening on Friday to make sure everything ran smoothly.
Patients were waiting in their cars until staff were ready for them, social distancing signs were placed on floors and doors, temperatures were being checked and staff were wearing personal protective equipment.
“I took the waiting room furniture out because I don’t want it inviting out there, I don’t want the TV on, I don’t want people to think it’s a gathering place any more because it’s not,” he says.
Hospitals are also able to expand beyond essential surgeries but patients aren’t allowed overnight stays.
Chief Clinical and Scientific Officer for University Hospitals and President of University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Dr. Daniel Simon says they were noticing patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart failure, and chronic pain weren’t getting the care they needed.
“So it’s really important now that we transition to be able to take care of these problems so patients don’t’ suffer adverse health consequences,” he says.
“It’s our responsibility to let patients know you’re adversely affecting your health if you don’t take care of your health conditions and we can do it in a safe manner.
University Hospitals is also removing chairs from waiting rooms, having patients wait in cars and doing daily deep cleanings as well as frequent cleanings of highly touched surfaces.