
HEALTH
my patients,” Porth said. “While I do miss the personable
face-to-face interaction with my patients, we are making
the most out of the challenges and limitations created by
COVID.”
Workload has increased for most facilities because of the
telehealth option and has affected all aspects of patient and
provider flow. Things that were once taken for granted such
as the ability for patients to have family present during trying
times has changed because of the pandemic.
“However, being able to visit face-to-face while utilizing
virtual technology has been a resource that has offered my
patients and I opportunities to connect both safely and personably
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Port St. Lucie Medical Report
Pop-up COVID-19 test sites, including this one that offered free tests at a
Publix, can be seen throughout the city.
Port St. Lucie Magazine
as possible,” Porth said.
For St. Lucie Medical and Lawnwood centers, their staffs
have long been focused on sustaining a culture of excellence
and delivering high-quality care. They, along with many
other local facilities, have been able to successfully create and
execute precautionary practices that protect patient and staff.
With well-established procedures in place to care for patients
with infectious diseases, they have been working in partnership
with the Florida Department of Health to ensure they
are able to effectively identify and care for possible patients
with COVID-19.
“We are proud of how our colleagues have supported
our patients, communities and each other with dedication,
professionalism and compassion while showing an extraordinary
level of commitment to providing exceptional care
throughout this unprecedented time,” Woods said. E
St. Lucie County has issued a face mask order and most all healthcare
facilities require that guests and patients wear one.
ANTHONY INSWASTY PHOTOS
The Palms at St. Lucie West, an independent, assisted and memory care community, has taken measures to protect its elderly residents.