Culbertson Memorial issues increased patient and staff safety restrictions due to COVID-19

In light of the ever-changing global, national and state crisis, Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital and Clinics have been working diligently to establish a system wide, clinically led team to prepare for and respond to the potential of a COVID-19 outbreak in our community. We are working closely with the McDonough and Schuyler County Health Departments, the Illinois Department of Public Health as well as the CDC to stay compliant with their recommendations, including establishing screenings at entry points into the hospital.

"We appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we take steps to help keep our community healthy and stop the spread of COVID-19. Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital is prepared to care for patients diagnosed with the virus. We are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines and are regularly communicating with county and state health officials," said John E. Kessler, Chief Executive Officer at Culbertson. "The best defense is to practice good hand hygiene, avoid contact with people who are sick and keep practicing social distancing”.

SCREENING POINTS
To protect our patients, staff, visitors and the community during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are following state and federal recommendations by restricting which entrances to the hospital are accessible for the public. These restrictions will remain in effect until the transmission of COVID-19 and influenza is no longer a threat. Additionally, we will be continuing with our restricted visitation policy. These changes will be in effect for all people, including family and friends who enter Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital.

Beginning on March 18th at 9 p.m. the Main Entrance of the Hospital and the West Wing North Entrance will be the only two entrances into the hospital that will be open for the general public.
The Main Entrance is located at the front of the hospital and will be open 24 hours a day. Please use this entrance when coming to the hospital for:
• Emergency Services
• Dietary Consultations
• Echocardiograms
• Imaging: CT, Fluoroscopy, Mammogram, MRI, Ultrasound, Vascular Ultrasound and Video Swallows
• Laboratory Services
• Nuclear Medicine
• Outpatient Clinics: Cardiology, Dr. Bozdech, Oncology, OB/GYN, Dr. Fleischli, Dr. Harsha & Dr. Kimple
• Sleep Studies
• Surgery

Empowering Your Health and Healing
The West Wing North Entrance is located by Parking Lot C, which is accessible from South Monroe Street. This entrance will only be open from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. Please use this entrance when coming to the hospital for:
• Outpatient Clinics: Dr. Harris, Dr. Payne, Pulmonology & Dr. Schuster
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Wound Clinic

VISITATION POLICY
• No visitors will be allowed in rooms of patients with pending or positive COVID-19 tests, except under extreme circumstances.
• No visitation by persons less than 18 years of age.
• Only two visitors will be allowed in the patient’s room at a time.
• Visitors with acute respiratory symptoms should not visit until their symptoms have cleared.

o For end-of-life situations or other extreme circumstances, visitors with acute respiratory symptoms will be required to wear a mask while inside the hospital.
• Patients in isolation for influenza will be limited to visitors who are necessary for the patient’s emotional well-being and care.
• All visitors should use good hand hygiene and respiratory/cough etiquette during the visit.
• Hand sanitizer and cough etiquette stations are located at each entrance.
• Hand sanitizer should be used upon entering a patient’s room and when leaving.

These visiting restrictions and entrance accessibility safe guards are in compliance with the recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

SUSPENDED SERVICES
Later this week we will be suspending our Senior Life Solutions Program. This move is being made for the protection of our patients in these programs. Services will be resumed as soon as deem it safe to do so.
Additionally, the cafeteria at Culbertson Memorial Hospital will be closed to the general public as Governor Pritzker ordered all bars and restaurants to close as of 9 p.m. on Monday, March 16th.

SELF REFERRAL FOR COVID-19
If you feel ill, even if you have mild symptoms, please stay home. If your condition worsens, we ask for you to please call before showing up for an appointment at any of our Culbertson Clinics or the Emergency Room. If it is an emergency, call 911 and tell the dispatcher your symptoms and share any recent travel history or potential contact with someone who has the virus.

Empowering Your Health and Healing
Culbertson COVID-19 testing procedures follow current IDPH/SCHD Guidelines:
Step One: Be prepared to answer screening questions. Keep in mind; the questions are subject to change based on IDPH/SCHD recommendations.
• Have you traveled in the last 14 days?
o Have you traveled to China, any other country, or a community in the United States where the coronavirus is spreading?
• Have you had close contact with anyone diagnosed with known coronavirus (COVID-19) infection or who is under evaluation for possible exposure? (Close contact means having been within 6 feet of that person for an extended time or being exposed to their cough or sneeze.)
• Do you have any of the following symptoms: fever, a cough (or other cold or flu-like symptoms), difficulty breathing or shortness of breath?
Step Two
• First an influenza test will be performed. This test will have results in approximately twenty (20) minutes.
• Second, if influenza is negative, a COVID-19 test authorization will be requested from SCHD/ IDPH to receive authorization to administer a COVID-19 test. Results from this test can take up to 96 hours.
• Third, if a test is requested and not authorized by SCHD/IDPH, the patient will be financially responsible for the testing (some insurances may pay for the test).

Again, please call ahead of your visit if you feel ill and be prepared to answer screening questions on the call. These measures are to help protect the safety of all of our patients and staff. If we believe you need to be seen, we will plan your visit and greet you at a coordinated entrance.
• Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital: 217-322-5281
• Emergency Department – 217-322-5334

PLEASE Call First and entrance arrangements will be communicated at the time of the call.
• Community Medical Clinic – Astoria: 309-329-2926
• Community Medical Clinic – Table Grove: 309-758-5070
• Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic – Beardstown: 217-323-2245
• Rushville Family Practice: 217-322-3345
After a visit to Culbertson Clinics or the Emergency Department, your provider will then direct you to self-quarantine and the SCHD will become your contact over the 14-day quarantine period and will communicate test results when received.