Contact:
Megan Penny
Communications & Development Manager
megan.lieberman@mainehealth.org
NORTH CONWAY, NH – An increase in COVID-19 testing demand has led Memorial Hospital to further streamline its testing process. For several weeks the hospital has tested symptomatic individuals in the Emergency Department (ED) and asymptomatic individuals in a separate Testing Center near the ED. Beginning Thursday, December 10, the Testing Center will test both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. In addition, all tests at the Center will require an appointment. Please call 603-356-0673 to schedule an appointment.
Memorial is also increasing testing availability by expanding testing hours to 8 am - 6 pm seven days a week.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in requests for COVID-19 tests and are always looking for ways to make the process more patient-friendly while maintaining safety for patients and staff,” says Will Owen RN, Memorial’s Emergency Management Coordinator. “Consolidating testing will provide some relief to the Emergency Department and provide additional efficiencies for patients and staff.”
Owen noted that the hospital is averaging near 150 tests per day, up from about 30 during the summer. Individuals experiencing extreme symptoms including difficulty breathing, high fever, nausea, or vomiting should still call their primary care provider or come to the ED as soon as possible.
Owen adds that Memorial continues to perform the PCR (molecular) test which continues to be the most accurate. Even with growing testing demands, patients are still getting results in less than 72 hours. Please call 603-356-0673 to schedule an appointment. People who call after hours or on the weekend should leave a message. A scheduler will return the call.
Patients will receive a telephone call with their test result, or they can find their results online by using the hospital’s patient portal. Information on how to get test results is also shared at the time of the testing appointment.
Most insurance carriers cover COVID-19 testing fees. However, we recommend checking with your insurance provider before scheduling a test.
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About Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit 25-bed Critical Access Hospital located in North Conway, NH, and is a member of the MaineHealth family. Its hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery center, clinical laboratory, heart health & wellness programs, imaging services, cardiopulmonary care, family birthing center, oncology, chemotherapy and infusion services. Practices include primary care and family medicine, diabetes care, behavioral health, women's health, podiatry, orthopedics and physical therapy. Memorial Hospital is also home to The Merriman House nursing home, which provides senior care services in a comfortable, home-like setting. For more information, www.memorialhospitalnh.org or call 603-356-5461.