As Memorial Health System continues to support the efforts of slowing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), we now require everyone wear a face mask at our facilities beginning July 1, 2020. Face coverings can be any of the masks the CDC (Centers of Disease and Control) supports - (sew or non-sew) cloth, surgical, or N95 masks. We ask our patients and visitors to bring masks from home. If you do not have a mask, our Safe Care Navigators will provide you with one.
Please follow guidelines from the CDC in proper use and wearing of face coverings. Details include making sure both your nose and mouth are covered and how to properly wash cloth masks. Learn more on the CDC's website.
Interested in donating masks?In order to keep our patients as safe as possible, we are restricting all visitors across our system. Exceptions are being made for the following patients and circumstances:
Since early March many of us have stayed home, followed the guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We know these actions weren't always easy, but they made a difference, and for that, we thank you. These actions have helped prevent a massive spike in cases that would have potentially been overwhelming to our local health system.
Our teams at Memorial Health System have quickly learned how to manage COVID-19 patients in the past few weeks. We've established care units, care teams, and processes that will direct the care of these patients now and into the future. This is what we're built for - caring for our community's health in the best and most challenging times. We've worked tirelessly to ensure we're prepared to manage everyone's health and keep our hospitals, clinics, and facilities a safe place to receive care.
We must be realistic moving forward. There will be spikes of people who become sick. We'll need to continue to monitor these outbreaks and work quickly when they arise. We're ready.
This week Governor DeWine and Dr. Acton shared a plan for gradual expansion of healthcare services and business openings as we slowly emerge from our quarantine and lift our eyes to what's next.
We are moving into this next phase with both caution and eagerness. Our providers want to see you in person again because in many cases, it's the best way to provide the care you need. We want to ask how you are doing, hear how you are feeling, and understand what health concerns you may have.
We'll continue to offer telehealth visits for those times it is appropriate for your health needs. This means you can communicate with your doctor or advanced practice nurse without having to go to the office. Using this technology through your phone or computer we can still see you.
Your health will always be our top priority, so we've implemented the following safety measures in our hospitals and provider offices:
We stand ready to serve you. If you are experiencing serious symptoms, injury or an urgent need, don't put off care. We are taking extra measures for you to receive the care you need in our Emergency Departments. Our wait times are less than 10 minutes. You can expect to receive a quick screening and be placed in a room quickly.
Thank you to those organizations, individuals, businesses and groups who have shown an outpouring of generosity, compassion and support to all of our health system team members. Your connection with your local health system has grown stronger, and we are glad to see the pride you have in your local health system. We stand ready to partner with you at all times - Together we Can. Together we will. It's what we do.
Scott Cantley