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WHMS and GSFH Increase Screening Precautions for COVID-19

Friday, March 13, 2020

ATKINSON, NE — For the safety of our patients and employees, West Holt Medical Services (WHMS) and Greater Sandhills Family Healthcare (GSFH) have been actively monitoring and working to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our service area.

WHMS and GSFH are in direct contact with the North Central District Health Department (NCDHD) and are following the protocols and guidelines of the Center for Disease and Prevention (CDC).

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 and GSFH facilities.

Screening Precautions
Screening precautions are in place at all points of entry at WHMS and GSFH as part of the check-in process. You will notice additional signage throughout both facilities to remind visitors and patients to be aware of their symptoms and to call before visiting.

Upon arriving, you will be asked a series of questions. If you are experiencing a fever of more than 100 degrees, cough, sore throat and/or shortness of breath, or have traveled to an area of known COVID-19 exposure, please call your healthcare facility prior to coming. Call WHMS at (402) 925-2811 (option 2), GSFH in Atkinson at (402) 925-2994, Stuart (402) 924-3777, or Bassett (402) 684-2285. Our trained staff members will guide you from there.

Hospital Visitor Policy
All visitors must check-in at the registration desk or the nurse’s station. Patients may only have two visitors, over the age of 12, at one time. Visits to the hospital are restricted for ages 12 and under. Visitors can expect to be screened for the potential onset of symptoms related to COVID-19 and recent travel information.

For access to the hospital after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends, all patients and visitors should come to the emergency entrance and push the call button. Nursing staff will screen everyone prior to entrance to help decrease the potential exposure to the public and our healthcare team.

The CDC offers the following tips to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are feeling sick, follow the below tips to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others.

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Stay away from public events or care facilities including hospitals and clinics.

For more information visit the WHMS site at www.westholtmed.org/COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call the NCDHD hotline at (402) 444-3400.