Covid-19 Information

COVID-19

News Releases:
COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1B to begin at WHMS (1/18/21)
WHMS statement regarding COVID-19 vaccinations (12/21/20)
BioFire 2.1 test for COVID-19 now available at WHMS (12/21/20)
New COVID-19 Treatment available at WHMS (12/2/20)
A Message from WHMS CEO Brian D. Martin regarding COVID-19 (11/16/20)
WHMS Installs Temperature Screening Kiosks at Entrances (8/17/20)

The health and well-being of our patients and employees is our number one priority. That’s why our healthcare team is actively monitoring the situation. We believe in proactive planning and preparedness. Prevention is our best defense.

West Holt Medical Services (WHMS) has been closely monitoring updates on the coronavirus COVID-19. A Coronavirus Preparedness Plan has been developed based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Hospital Association and other Nebraska hospitals.

The Infection Prevention Coordinator and the Senior Leadership Team receive daily updates and protocols from the CDC and North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) to ensure WHMS remains current with prevention and treatment recommendations for persons with COVID-19.

To ensure that we are prepared and maintaining the health and well-being of our patients and employees, the following precautions have been implemented at the WHMS.

Screening Precautions
WHMS has installed temperature screening kiosks at each of its entrances to check patients, visitors and staff for a fever, a common symptom of COVID-19.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or have traveled to an area of known COVID-19 exposure, call WHMS at (402) 925-2811 (option 2) prior to coming in to our facility. Our trained staff members will guide you from there.

  • Patients will be screened for COVID-19, either by phone, upon entering the facility or through testing.
  • Stringent cleaning, sterilization, and isolation precautions and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) continue to be practiced.
  • Social distancing is maintained in common areas and all patients, approved visitors and staff must wear masks if within 6 feet.
  • Any potential COVID-19 patient will be treated in a separate area of the facility.
  • Visitors continue to be limited to one adult (18 years of age or older) per patient. This includes visitors accompanying patients to the emergency room, clinics and hospital inpatient areas.

Masking Policy
All patients, visitors and vendors will be required to wear a mask while inside the WHMS facility. Individuals may use their own mask, or one will be provided when they arrive. To preserve the supply of masks, frequent visitors will be asked to keep and reuse their mask. WHMS continues to perform screening precautions on all who enter.

Visitor Policy

  • Visitors are limited to one adult (18 years of age or older) per patient at a time. This includes visitors accompanying patients to the emergency room, clinics and hospital inpatient areas.
  • If a hospital inpatient is in quarantine or if they have a pending COVID-19 test, visitors will be restricted. Patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 will not be allowed visitors. If the COVID-19 test comes back negative, the visitor restriction will be lifted.

Facility Changes
WHMS has worked to reconfigure its facility to separate well patients from those with respiratory illnesses. When patients call in to schedule an appointment, they will be directed to one of three entrances on the WHMS campus based on their symptoms. 

Retail Pharmacy 
The Retail Pharmacy is not offering walk-in services at this time. Please use our drive thru option to pick up your prescriptions. We also offer free prescription delivery for home-bound patients in Atkinson and prescription mailing services. If you need over-the-counter medication or supplies, please call ahead to check on availability.

3 easy ways to refill your prescriptions:
1. Online
2. Rx2Go app for your mobile device (easiest and fastest)
3. Call in your refill at (402) 925-2651

Our voice and text reminders will notify you when your prescriptions are ready. Use our convenient drive-up window located at 313 W Pearl Street in Atkinson to pick up your medication. Drive-thru hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm.

For more information and resources regarding COVID-19 visit:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
North Central District Health Department (NCDHD)