First Physicians Capital Group’s Response to COVID-19

First Physicians Capital Group is working closely with the Oklahoma State Department of Health as well as monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to ensure we have the latest information on the rapidly evolving situation.

The safety and well-being of our patients and employees are paramount to us. With that in mind, we want to share an update on precautionary measures we are proactively taking at the hospitals we help manage, including Stroud Regional Medical Center, The Physicians’ Hospital in Anadarko, and Fairfax Community Hospital.

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Beginning Saturday, March 21, First Physicians Capital Group (FPCG) will postpone all elective surgeries, non-essential medical and surgical procedures in its hospitals until further notice in response to COVID-19.

FPCG’s team made the decision to join hospitals nationwide to postpone elective surgeries following the Centers for Disease Control recommendations and local health officials’ guidance regarding coronavirus developments.

Elective surgeries and non-essential procedures include those that can be reasonably deferred without an immediate threat to a patient’s overall health.

“For the health and safety of our community and to protect patients and staff, we are following CDC’s recommendations to help mitigate the spread of this viral outbreak,” said Carl Laffoon, First Physicians Capital Group Chief Clinical Officer. “We are taking these precautionary measures to protect our communities and our most vulnerable patients in Stroud, Anadarko and Fairfax. This simple intervention will help us conserve personal protective equipment, beds, and supplies for the most urgent patient needs. In addition, we are collaborating closely with the Oklahoma State Department and developed a COVID-19 response plan.” 

As part of the COVID-19 response plan, FPCG’s hospitals are postponing all outpatient elective surgeries, screening patients and staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and restricting all visitors to the hospital. In addition, the facilities have suspended its auxiliary and volunteer program until the coronavirus threat subsides. 

We are fortunate to have a very experienced team at First Physicians Capital Group, which includes a board-certified infectious diseases physician, epidemiologist, and board-certified infection control specialist, who have multiple years of experience dealing with outbreaks and response plans for diseases such as SARS.

In the event a person is identified with a potential case of COVID-19, the hospital staff is prepared to immediately provide appropriate medical care. All three hospitals’ emergency rooms will remain open to serve those who are experiencing medical emergencies. 

If you have symptoms like cough, fever or other respiratory problems, contact your primary care doctor. If you feel you are currently having an emergency, call 911. 

If you are concerned about COVID-19 and have questions, please contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s COVID-19 hotline at 877-215-8336. 

For updates, please follow FPCG on Facebook @FirstPhysiciansCapitalGroup.