For Bitterroot valley residents experiencing acute respiratory distress,
help is only a phone call away and, if appropriate, a same-day appointment
can be made to be examined by a nurse or a doctor at the Respiratory Services
center located at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. The medical
facility’s entrance is through a tent where the care team privately
and safely sees two patients at a time, eliminating any type of waiting
area and exposure to staff or patient’s loved one. The parking area
is set up by patient needs and services; it includes handicap, respiratory,
and swabbing; patients receive care in their vehicle when appropriate.
Patients that are experiencing respiratory symptoms, especially those at
high-risk, are encouraged to receive care at the Respiratory Services
location. Patients needing care should call the clinic first at 406-375-4762,
giving the medical team the opportunity to determine if this is the appropriate
location. Respiratory symptoms include chest congestion, chills, cough,
difficulty breathing, fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, shortness of
breath and sore throat. The respiratory location is separated from the
primary care and specialty clinics, making medical providers and specialists
available for their patients needing care through an in-office visit and
Daly Connect, the new telehealth service.
The yellow tent is the first location where you meet medical personnel.
According to April Weinberger, MD, Medical Staff Director at Marcus Daly
Hospital, usually a person visiting a clinic or hospital is greeted by
a person at a desk who asks them to wait.
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