The New Normal
When will things be back to normal seems to be the chatter of the month. Normal used to be: no masks, no locked doors, no taking your temperature daily, no fear of coughing in public, no plastic barriers at stores, no social distancing, the list could go on forever. The reality is nobody knows if all of these things will prenatally go away and return to the old normal, is it possible this is the new normal. In healthcare, some processes and procedures have been improved to decrease the risk of exposure from person to person during COVID – 19 in a medical setting. Here are some new normal things you may see at DHCHD.
Surgery:
- The new check-in and pre-admit processes have greatly decreased the person to person contact & masks are worn at all times.
Pain Management:
- New check-in at the main lobby to limit contact and avoid any clinical staff or other contacts.
- Strict wearing of face coverings by both patients and staff in both clinic visits and procedures.
- Spread out clinic and procedure schedule to allow for wiping down of all surfaces with disinfectant between each patient.
DFMC:
- The patients may come in and check-in with the receptionist, they must wear a mask or they won’t be seen. If they don’t wear one, then they won’t be seen. They will get their temp checked and answer all the appropriate questions. They will then go to their vehicle and wait until they are called for their appointment.
High Country
- The doors are going to remain locked due to they are as high risk due to the walk – in clinic. They will call the number on the window and someone will come out to get their temp and answer the questionnaire. Patients will need to wear a mask.
Nursing Home /Legacy:
- As of right now, the senior care facilities are still on lockdown. Hopefully, by the end of June, senior care will have some sort of visitation, most likely by appointment only, and have several “visitation stations” set up in the lobby and the back courtyard. This will be decided by the Governor.
Hospital Visits:
- The new normal for the hospital, ED, and surgery will be wearing a mask any time they come to the hospital, all hospital staff will be wearing masks and will have been screened for symptoms before starting their shifts. We will also be testing anyone that is admitted to the hospital or scheduled for surgery for COVID so that we know what precautions need to be taken. Staff have been trained in infection control practices and will be using a UV light to clean each room after a patient is discharged from any area. We will continue to restrict visitation at this time.
ER:
- You may be asked to wait in your vehicle if no rooms are available and you don’t have an emergency. You will be asked to wear a mask. No visitors will be allowed under most circumstances unless the patient is a minor. You may be medically screened and asked to make an appointment with your doctor or use the walk-in clinic if it is determined you don’t have an emergency.
Café:
- The kitchen staff must wear masks while working.
- Wearing gloves for ready to eat foods has always been and will be required until further notice.
- Patient/resident personal contact is not recommended unless necessary.
- Anyone requiring an isolation tray will be served on disposable trays and containers.
- As soon as possible, meals will be served to order as opposed to tray service. This depends on when that restriction is lifted.
Therapy Gym:
- The therapy clinic is open with normal business hours. We continue to see patients for all therapy needs. Upon arrival, you will have your temperature checked and make sure you haven’t had any signs of symptoms of COVID-19. We ask that if you are feeling ill you call and cancel or reschedule your appointment with us. Our number is 86-244-0015. We will not allow anyone to stay if they are running 100.0 or higher fever. We do ask that you limit bringing other people with you. If someone must bring you, we ask that it is limited to one person, or that person sits in the car and waits for you. They will also be checked upon arrival at the clinic. Do not be alarmed, as your therapists will be wearing masks while they work with you.
Senior Care:
- Daily temperature checks for staff and patients before entering the facility.
- Staff and patients attesting daily to their state of physical health and keeping track of this daily
- Staff and patients will wear masks for in-person therapy sessions both group and individual (masks provided by the department if needed)
- Staff and patients will be seated 6 feet apart during sessions.
- A limited number of sequential group sessions for patients during the week to limit exposure.
- Nursing Home and Assisted Living have limited therapy sessions are using Telehealth within those limits.
- Allowing in person and Telehealth admissions for new patients for their safety and health-giving an option as long as CMS allows.
- Staff and patient will continue to adhere to hand washing/sanitizing guidelines
- We are committed to proving quality care to our patients and ensuring the safety and health of everyone in our area.
Cardiopulmonary, Respiratory Therapy, & Sleep Studies
- Wearing masks
- Keeping equipment sanitized
