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COVID-19 news and updates
An update on operations at Wood River Medical Center
At St. Luke’s Wood River, every decision we make is with the health and wellness of our patients, caregivers and communities at the center. As was shared yesterday, Blaine County has experienced significant community spread of COVID-19. Many are now required to self-quarantine due to contact with those who have tested positive. Considering the small size and unique population of our community, this spread has disproportionately impacted our caregivers in Wood River.
In support of a safe environment for our patients and caregivers, effective immediately we will be temporarily suspending normal operations at St. Luke’s Wood River.
- Our Emergency Department will remain operational, with all admissions transferring to an appropriate facility.
- Surgical and OB staff are on-call to perform emergent procedures. All non-emergent and elective procedures are being postponed.
- Services at our clinics within the community will also be temporarily suspended. We are reaching out to patients who currently have non-emergent appointments scheduled to convert these to a telehealth option, or to postpone them.
- Our COVID-19 drive-through screening and sample collection tent for patients exhibiting symptoms will remain operational from 10:00am – 6:00pm daily. Patients will be able to stay in their cars for screening, registration and, if needed, specimen collection.
- The Walk-In Clinic adjacent to the medical center will be open daily 10:00am – 6:00pm.
We are working with our patients and their families to transfer or discharge currently admitted patients as medically appropriate. Additionally, we are working with local first responders and other healthcare providers in the area to divert new inpatient admissions.
Carmen Jacobsen, Chief Operating Officer/CNO for St. Luke’s Wood River conveyed, “Our number one priority is, and will always be, the health and safety of our communities – patients and caregivers. The challenges we are experiencing in Wood River are perhaps unique, but what is also unique is our resiliency.
The decision we have made regarding operations at Wood River we feel is an appropriate one to ensure the safety of our patients, providers and staff and will help us focus our resources where they are most needed – the emergency department, screening tent and walk-in clinic. We will continue to work with patients, their families and our teams at other locations to ensure they receive the care needed. We will continually work to keep our community informed. We thank you for your patience and cooperation.”
We will continue to monitor the health situation in Blaine County and will keep our community members up-to-date on resuming normal operations as more information is available.
During this time, we are partnering with St. Luke’s Health System, South Central Public Health Department and our community partners. In addition to abiding by the Blaine County shelter-in-place order from Governor Brad Little, we encourage everyone to:
- Stay home if you are sick. If you develop symptoms, please call St. Luke’s triage hotline at 209-381-9500.
- Practice social distancing, even if you are not showing symptoms. This is a critical step in protecting our communities, especially vulnerable populations.
- Maintain good hygiene. Wash hands often, keep surfaces around you clean and disinfected, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching your face.
- Seek testing only if necessary. At this time, testing is being prioritized for those who are experiencing symptoms, who are at high-risk or who have been exposed to someone who as tested positive for the virus.
Media contact: Joy Prudek, Public Relations Manager, St. Luke’s Wood River, [email protected], 208-727-8435
About The Author
Joy Prudek is the manager of public relations for St. Luke's Wood River.
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