Contact:
Tim Kershner
Director, Memorial Hospital Communications & Public Affairs
timothy.kershner@mainehealth.org
North Conway, NH - Memorial Hospital will begin COVID-19 testing for persons not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The tests are made possible under an agreement with the New Hampshire Department of Health. Testing begins Monday, August 10 and is by appointment only.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the need for increased community testing has grown,” says hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Dunn. “We’ve been limited to testing patients with one or more COVID-19 symptoms or who fall into a high risk group, such as first responders. Working with the state has helped create opportunities for people without symptoms to be tested.”
Memorial Hospital created a testing center for asymptomatic individuals at its outpatient physical therapy building on the North side of the hospital campus on Route 16 in North Conway. Patients may enter the campus from Route 16 at the “Scheduled Testing” signs and proceed to the testing center on the left. Tests are conducted while the patient remains in their vehicle. Dunn adds that appointments for testing are required.
“It is important that people call 603-356-0673 to register for their test. This helps our clinicians work safely with all patients and keeps hospital roadways clear for emergencies.”
Each test takes only a few minutes and results are available online through MyChart, the hospital’s electronic medical records system. Patients will also receive a telephone call with their results. Testing is planned for weekdays, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
People with COVID-19 symptoms such as fever and chills, shortness of breath, or loss of taste and smell, may come to the hospital’s emergency department for evaluation. These patients should enter the hospital campus from the South entrance on Route 16 and proceed to the emergency department. Patients should wait outside the emergency department and call 603-356-4946 to register from their vehicle.
Memorial only tests for the presence of an active COVID-19 infection. Antibody testing is not currently available. Before registering for a test, it is suggested that patients contact their insurance carrier about coverage and payment. The hospital will help New Hampshire residents without insurance apply for state funds to cover the cost of their 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. It is a member of the MaineHealth family. 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. Additional Memorial facilities include The Merriman House nursing home and Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center providing senior care services in a comfortable, home-like setting.