July 14, 2020
Albia, IA – As construction progresses, we are excited to open another phase of newly remodeled space for our patients, visitors and staff! Effective Friday, July 17, 2020, the East entrance (our old main entrance) will be open to allow services to be provided in our Susan Allison Outpatient Clinic and the Rehab Services area. As of July 17, patients and visitors will follow these guidelines:
- Main Registration will temporarily relocate to the EAST entrance of our building.
- The ER entrance located on the WEST side of our building will be used by ER patients.
*** Screening processes are set in place at all entrances of our facility. These processes have been implemented per guidance provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
*** Effective Friday, July 10, all patients, visitors and staff will be mandated to wear a mask while in our facility. Please plan to have a mask on before entering.
*** MCHC is accepting donations of masks for adults and children. Homemade, Cloth, N95, or Procedure masks are allowed. If you or someone you know can donate, please drop off masks between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at our ER entrance located on the WEST side of the building. (Homemade masks are allowed.)
COVID-19 Modified Visitor Restrictions Effective June 24, 2020:
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.
- Visitors on the Inpatient Floor: One visitor that has been pre-determined by the patient will be allowed. There will be no substitutions or trading of shifts. Visitors will only be allowed in the patient room or other area where the patient they are visiting is located. Visitors will not be allowed to wander or congregate in the hallways, waiting areas, or cafeteria.
- Visitors accompanying Outpatients (Medical Clinic, Outpatient Clinic, Lab, Radiology, Rehab, Cardiac Rehab, Respiratory Therapy, Dietary Consults, and Emergency Department): One visitor is allowed with each patient receiving services in an outpatient setting (listed above). Visitors who are with Emergency Department patients must remain in the exam room and will not be allowed to wander or congregate in the hallways, waiting areas, or Bistro.
- Visitors accompanying Same Day Surgery Patients: One visitor is allowed pre-procedure. Once the patient is taken back for their procedure, the visitor will be instructed to exit the building and wait for a phone call alerting them to return to pick up the patient.
- The cafeteria is closed to visitors until further notice.
- 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.
As a reminder, we encourage the community to follow the best practices from the CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health (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.
If you have general questions about 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, radiology, 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.”