ABILENE -- Memorial Health System (MHS, in Abilene, is taking precautions to protect patients, staff, and the community.
While there are currently no known cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Dickinson County, MHS is working closely with state and local entities to ensure preparedness.
MHS officials are announcing new visitor restrictions, and are closely monitoring the situation, and will implement further measures as necessary.
Memorial Health System locations are implementing the following measures to limit potential exposure to staff, visitors, and patients:
HOSPITAL VISITOR RESTRICTIONS
Memorial Hospital’s Inpatient Unit, Birthing Center, and Emergency Department patients will be limited to one healthy visitor.
HEARTLAND HEALTH CARE CLINIC
Patients are being asked to come to their appointments alone, or with only one other person if necessary.
VILLAGE MANOR
Screening all visitors before visit occurs. Discouraging visits from people who are not immediate family or caregivers.
FRONTIER ESTATES
Allowing needed community services such as home health, pharmacy and grocery deliveries. Restricting visitors to one family member. Not allowing group gatherings.
SCREENING AND TREATMENT PRECAUTIONS
Everyone arriving at MHS locations are being screened for possible COVID-19 infection. People will be asked if they:
• Have a fever.
• Have a cough or shortness of breath and have traveled within the state, outside of the state, or outside the US in the past 14 days.
• Have had direct contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
MHS staff will follow Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) procedures for assessment. If COVID-19 testing is warranted, and approved by KDHE, MHS does have the ability to collect specimens to send them to the state lab for analysis.
WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs and symptoms include*:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IMPLEMENTED
In order to provide care for the community, MHS needs its employees to remain healthy, therefore:
• All non-essential work-related travel has been suspended including educational conferences and vendor meetings.
• All employees are strongly encouraged to postpone any planned travel to COVID-19 affected areas following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on travel recommendations.
• All employees are instructed to stay home when ill, especially if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.
CONTINUED WELLNESS
Working to slow the spread of COVID-19 is a top priority, and EVERYONE can play a role in taking preventive actions as part of their everyday lives. This will ultimately save lives and allow the health care system to care for those who do become ill:
• Wash your hands often using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Do your best to avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth).
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Follow additional guidance set by the KDHE and CDC.