Climate-controlled outdoor tent set up at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital to alleviate strain on waiting room

ROCKY MOUNT, Va. (WFXR) – Carilion Clinic announced Monday that Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital is setting up an outdoor, climate-controlled tent adjacent to the emergency department to provide waiting room space for patients and visitors.

Carilion Clinic says this is a precaution to offer appropriate social distancing in the hospital’s waiting room.

The tent will not be used as a patient care area.

Health officials say the hospital is continuing to monitor COVID-19 cases as well as capacity in the region and is adjusting operations based on the needs of the community. According to the statement released by Carilion Clinic on Monday, Sept. 20, there is no disruption to services at CFMH.

Wait times are longer in Carilion Clinic’s emergency departments because volumes are higher and patients are sicker. Those who need care are urged to only use the emergency department for emergencies.

Today, we are setting up an outdoor, climate-controlled tent adjacent to the emergency department at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital (CFMH) to provide additional emergency department waiting room space for patients and visitors. pic.twitter.com/rNgWAQSNyL
— Carilion Clinic (@CarilionClinic) September 20, 2021