Washington County Hospitals and Clinics responsibly expanding services

The health and wellness of patients remains WCHC's number one priority and to meet the healthcare needs of Washington County and the surrounding area have begun slowly and responsibly expand services. Over the month of May, Washington County Hospital and Clinics will slowly and responsibly begin to expand services including primary care, specialty care, and elective surgeries and procedures.

Specialty & Surgical Care

WCHC has lifted the temporary restrictions placed on specialty outpatient visits as well as elective surgery and outpatient procedures. This decision follows the proclamation from Governor Kim Reynolds lifting restrictions to elective surgeries and procedures on April 27th. A number of specialty providers and surgeons have begun to schedule and treat patients locally including:

' Dr. Andrew Ashby, Pulmonology

' Dr. Dwayne Capper, Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, & Throat)

' Dan Coons, PA-C, Orthopedic Surgery

' Dr. Benjamin Green, General Surgery

' Dr. Brent Overton, Orthopedic Surgery

' Dr. Nathan Schneider, General Surgery

' Dr. Chris Watts, Ophthalmology

Over the next month, it is anticipated that all specialty care providers will resume local appointments.

Primary Care Clinics

As the infectivity rate of COVID-19 continues to decrease in Washington County so does the need for the established Respiratory Triage Clinic. This clinic will be decommissioned on Friday, May 8th and efforts will begin to prepare the Medical Clinic to reopen. The Medical Clinic will remain closed for a deep clean through the week of May 10th and reopen for primary care visits on Monday, May 18th. It is vital even during times of uncertainty to stay well and manage chronic conditions as well as the onset of any new medical concerns or symptoms. Primary Care Providers are available to see patients today and urge those who may have delayed healthcare to call 653-7291 for an appointment.

WCHC has implemented safety protocols to ensure all services are provided in a safe and responsible environment. Safety protocols include:

' All individuals entering a WCHC facility, including employees, will continue to be screened for illness

' All individuals entering a WCHC facility will be asked to don a face mask. In efforts to preserve personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, patients are encouraged to bring their own mask.

' All WCHC employees will wear face masks within the facility and may don additional PPE when deemed necessary/appropriate when caring for patients.

' Visitors will still be prohibited. A support person will be allowed for surgical patients and children under the age of 18.

' Six-foot social distances will be established in public areas such as waiting rooms and corridors.

' Extra cleaning and disinfection of high-touch, public surface areas will continue.

' Infectious patients will continue to be cared for in isolation, away from non-infectious patients.

In addition to the safety protocols, WCHC remains prepared. WCHC will maintain a sufficient supply of PPE and other resources necessary to care for COVID-19 patients. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is continually monitored and acted upon to ensure the safety and wellness of all patients.