Scotland County Hospital Makes Preparations for Covid-19     

 

MEMPHIS, MO – Scotland County Hospital & Clinics in Memphis, MO,  remains open for business and prepared to serve the health needs of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic and always. We encourage all individuals to become and remain prepared as well. Together, we can protect ourselves and diminish the spread of this disease by limiting travel and community exposure, remaining calm, frequently washing hands with soap and water, and always before touching your mouth, face or eyes, or any food before eating it. Self-quarantining at home is preferred if flu-like symptoms develop in otherwise healthy people that are not experiencing a medical emergency. In the absence of a medical emergency, please call ahead (660-956-6820 COVID-19 hospital hotline) to alert our COVID-19 Response Team, when you believe you meet the COVID-19 testing symptoms:

– If you have flu symptoms;

– If you have trouble breathing or shortness of breath;

– If you have been in contact with anyone with flu symptoms in the last two weeks;

– If you have traveled to a CDC Level 2 or 3 country in the last month; or been in contact with anyone that has.

Mildly ill patients are encouraged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance about clinical management.

If you are very sick get medical attention immediately.

If you develop emergency warning signs of COVID-19, get medical attention immediately.

Emergency Warning signs include:

*Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

*Persistent pain of pressure in the chest

*New confusion or inability to arouse

*Bluish lips or face

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

If you have an appointment at one of our clinics or you have an appointment or routine need for lab, radiology, therapy services or any other service at Scotland County Hospital & Clinics, please feel comfortable keeping that appointment until or unless you hear otherwise. Both the clinic and the hospital have segregated areas for respiratory illness patients, including Lancaster Medical Services. Patients will be stopped by a triage nurse at the entrance, temperature taken and asked a few questions.

Currently, there are two doors to access the facility: 1) from the clinic entrance off Watkins Street and, 2) from the ER/Main Entrance off Watkins Street. The limiting of access to the facility allows the Hospital to offer a triage nurse at those entrances to direct each patient to the appropriate segregated areas of both the hospital and the clinics, as well as practicing heavier cleaning methods at those entry locations, compared to doorknobs, rugs, etc. at multiple entry locations. OB laboring patients can still present at the Women’s Center next to Memphis Medical Services and call into the desk from the phone in the foyer to announce arrival. Surgery patients can enter through the Surgery Center on the north side of the Hospital. Currently, the Hospital is not allowing any visitors, except in very rare instances, at the discretion of administration in consultation with our infection control professional staff.

Additionally, actions already taken by Scotland County Hospital & Clinics to safely and appropriately provide medical services to our community include:

• Implementing the local COVID-19 hotline: 660-956-6820
• Implementing more aggressive infection control procedures
• Training staff members and posting signage to direct and inform patients on how to receive medical attention in the fastest and safest way possible
• Stationing a Triage Nurse at the entrance to Memphis Medical Services, Lancaster Medical Services and the Hospital’s Main/ER screening patients to direct and inform our patients on how to receive medical attention in the fastest and safest way possible
• Asking all respiratory & flu like symptom patients to wear a mask we will supply as they present for evaluation
• Closing Wyaconda Medical Services until further notice
• Canceling Sports Physicals on 3/18
• Offering curb-side pick-up of prescriptions from Memphis Community Pharmacy
• Offering shopping for necessities to the elderly and sick by the Therapy Services Dept.
• Remaining in networked communication with local & state healthcare leaders, regulatory authorities, emergency management and response teams
• Taking active steps to prepare for possible disruptions caused by unplanned changes in staff availability and medical supply levels
• Promoting community awareness and health education through personal, print, digital, and social media outlets

Randy Tobler, MD, FACOG, CEO, Scotland County Hospital said, “We are open for business, but have made a few modifications. Please understand these modifications to our procedures are being dedicated to meeting the needs of patients and community members with questions, concerns, or symptoms related to the coronavirus.We are, along with our local health department, are committed to remaining the source for fact-based, best practice information as it relates to the CDC and Public Health guidelines, tailored to fit our community’s situation and the facility’s available resources.”

All decisions regarding Scotland County Hospital & Clinics response to the COVID-19 circumstances have been vetted through our Hospital-wide COVID-19 Response Team made up of capable physicians, nurses & staff. Our responses have been well thought through, based on scientific evidence and recommendations and measured to our currently available resources. The Hospital COVID-19 response will be adjusted as local conditions and resources, evolving medical information, and regulatory guidance changes.  Your understanding of our actions and any inconveniences caused to you is very much appreciated. We are honored and humbled to care for you and your family during these uncertain times.