June 23, 2020
Albia, IA – We are slowly beginning to lift visitor restrictions. We have eased our guidelines because we recognize the benefit of patients having a support person with them during their appointment, medical procedure, or hospitalization. As we enter in the “new normal” phase, we remain committed to providing a safe environment for patients, staff, visitors and enhance the overall patient experience.
New visitor guidelines will be monitored as appropriate to maintain the correct safety measures for all.
Effective Wednesday June 24, 2020, Monroe County Hospital & Clinics (MCHC) has released new guidelines for visitors/support persons:
- All visitors to MCHC will follow screening procedures; anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter the facility at any time.
- One visitor that has been predetermined by the patient will be allowed to visit during the patients visit.
- There will be no substitutions or trading shifts for visitors.
- The visitor may not be present during any intermittent or continuous aerosol generating procedure or for 2 hours after.
- Visitors only allowed in the patient room or other area in which the patient they are visiting is located.
- No use of waiting rooms or the cafeteria.
- For surgeries/procedures, visitors are allowed pre-procedure but after the patient is taken back for their procedures, the visitor will exit the facility and wait for a call from the facility to come and pick up the patient.
- Visitors should be reminded, while visiting:
- Perform frequent hand hygiene.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when washing their hands is not an option.
- Wear a mask from home upon entry into our facility and throughout the visit.
- Visitors who fail to agree to wear a mask will be asked to leave.
- Hospital visiting hours have been reserved from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Visitation to COVID-19 positive or patients under investigation is prohibited.
- Visitation to COVID-19 positive or patients under investigation will only be permitted by state/local law or if the patient meets compassionate care exception criteria:
- Children (minor, 17 years of age and under)
- Patients receiving end-of-life care.
- Developmentally/Cognitively impaired adults.
Restrictions remaining in place:
- To limit exposures within our facility, outside entrances will be locked except for the Medical Clinic entrance (East parking lot) and the Emergency Room entrance (West parking lot). Patients will need to use one of these entrances to access the building for appointments or emergency care.
- If you are a Medical Clinic patient, please enter through the Medical Clinic entrance located in our East parking lot.
- All other patients/visitors, please enter through our Emergency Services entrance located in our West parking lot.
- The MCHC Bistro (cafeteria) is closed to all general public until further notice.
- No vendors are allowed inside the building, unless prior approval.
As a reminder, we encourage the community to follow the best practices from the CDC and IDPH to help prevent the spread of all viruses:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Disinfect surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
At MCHC, we are following guidance provided by the CDC and IDPH to screen all who enter MCHC for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs as well as the patient’s travel history and exposure to those who have traveled. This screening process includes all who enter our facility.
If you have general questions on COVID-19, please dial 2-1-1. If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in.
About Monroe County Hospital & Clinics
Established in 1951, Monroe County Hospital & Clinics (MCHC) is a trusted provider of high quality, local health care to the residents of Monroe County, IA and surrounding counties. Our highest mission is a promise to create an excellent health care experience. We believe it must be our number one priority to ensure the personal safety and security of each customer and employee. Our full-service, primary care hospital offers an array of inpatient and outpatient health services including surgical, clinical, specialty, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy, emergency, sleep studies, pain management services and much more. Visit mchalbia.com for more information. “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”