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Update: March 21, 2020

Updated 5:33 p.m., 3/21/2020

  • At North Oaks Health System, our goal is to operate a workplace that is safe to all of our patients and employees. In support of Governor John Bel Edward’s efforts to control the spread on COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to implement a NO VISITOR policy effective 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020, except in the following situations:
    • Out of compassion for our families, patients in life-limiting situations will be allowed four (4) immediate family members to be with them (no swapping out). Visitation in these situations will be controlled by the nursing staff.
    • Laboring patients will be allowed one person to accompany them (no swapping out).
    • Pediatric patients must have one parent in the room with them (no swapping out).
    • People driving patients to the Emergency Department will be asked to wait in their car while the patient is evaluated. If the patient needs to be admitted the driver will be allowed to meet with the patient before they are taken to their hospital room. If patients are PEC, the nursing staff will evaluate the need for a support person on a case by case basis.
    • Same Day Surgery patients will be allowed one person, who must remain in the patient’s room while the procedure is being performed (not in the waiting room).
    • Drivers accompanying patients for clinic visits or outpatient testing will be asked to wait in their automobile and communicate with staff via cell phone.
    • On inpatient units, the nursing staff will work with patients to identify one family member who will receive telephone updates on their loved one 2 times daily, unless there is a status change.
  • Starting with the night shift on Monday, March 23, employee entrances will be limited to the Tower Lobby and the Main Entrance at NOMC, and the main entrance at NORH. Temperature screening for all employees will be implemented, and those with a temperature of 100.4 degrees will be referred to employee wellness for evaluation. Prox access to all other entrances will be turned off. Temperature checks for employees in outlying buildings (any building other than NOMC and NORH will begin on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
  • Beginning Monday, the IV poles/pumps for patients in isolation rooms will be equipped with extra-long tubing and may be placed in the hallway, rather than in the room, to preserve the supply of PPE.
  • Our community is responding very generously with donations of PPE and other supplies. We are so grateful!