Update on rules and regulations at Veterans Memorial Hospital as elective procedures resume
Veterans Memorial Hospital is beginning to offer some outpatient services once again, but with restrictions.
· VMH is now beginning to offer a few elective surgical procedures, such as colonoscopies and mammograms. Individuals who are interested in inquiring about having one of these preventative procedures should call their provider. The provider will place the order for the procedure with Veterans Memorial Hospital. The Veterans Memorial
Hospital Outpatient Coordinator will call the patient about the appointment and give the instructions for the procedure. Anyone not feeling well the day of a scheduled procedure must call the hospital to reschedule.
· VMH requests that anyone entering the hospital for any procedure or service bring and wear a mask. It is required to wear the mask during the entire visit to the hospital. Masks will be provided to those who do not have one upon entering the main entrance.
· ALL laboratory tests must be scheduled in advance. Call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 to be connected with the Lab to make an appointment.
· All visitors to Veterans Memorial Hospital remain restricted. In the event of a special circumstance, such as a terminal patient, family members may call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 and speak with the charge nurse about the situation. Maternity Services patients are allowed one support person while they are in the hospital.
· Anyone with respiratory symptoms must call the hospital first at 563-568-3411 before coming in.
· Anyone with flu-like symptoms that is requesting to be tested for COVID-19 must meet all criteria to qualify for a test. Screenings will be performed over the phone by calling 2-1-1 or the hospital at 563-568-3411 and asking for the COVID-19 phone line.
· COVID-19 affects different people in different ways with a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Symptoms that may appear two to 14 days after exposure of the virus include the following: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and a new loss of taste or smell.
· Patients who have the COVID-19 virus or influenza are asked to remain at home. But, if symptoms become more serious and they are having difficulty breathing or have an uncontrollable high fever, call the hospital.
· Call the Iowa Department of Public Health COVID-19 Hotline with any additional questions, by dialing 2-1-1.
The hospital will be taking the highest precautions with each and every patient, leaving appropriate time between procedures and using all personal protective equipment and protocols.
For more information, contact Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon at 563-568-3411.
