SMMC Covid-19 Update
July 30, 2020
Steele Memorial Medical Center continues to adapt, mandate, and promote safe practices for not only our patients and visitors, but also our staff to ensure minimal Covid-19 exposure. It takes every member of our team including the community to stop the spread of the virus. In an effort to stop/slow the spread of the virus, SMMC implemented screening stations on March 30, 2020 at the main entrances including the hospital main lobby, ER lobby, clinic lobby, and specialty clinic lobby.
The screening station for patients and visitors consists of the following:
- temperature screen
- travel questionnaire regarding travel outside of Lemhi County
- symptom questionnaire (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, headache, and intestinal problems)
- handout of a mask and wrist band
If you are experiencing FLU-like symptoms and need healthcare, we ask that all community members continue to help slow the spread by calling our Coivd-19 hotline at 208-756-5835 prior to coming to the facility. We also ask community members to be open and honest about current symptoms when being screened at the stations.
Other changes SMMC has made to keep patients safe include:
- Morning director and medical staff huddle
- Employee health screenings
- PPE mandate for employees and patients
- Limiting visitors
- Reorganizing waiting areas for distancing
- Dividers at registration desks
- Daily call with Eastern Idaho Public Health
- Weekly community Covid-19 update to community
SMMC continues to recommend the EIPH Strategies for the Minimal Risk Level:
- Engage in physical distancing – 6 feet or greater
- Avoid large gatherings
- Wear face mask
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Disinfect surfaces and objects frequently
- Stay at home if sick. Any time you feel you have flu-like symptoms—including intestinal issues
On July 14, 2020, Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) posted the Covid-19 Regional Response Plan. Per EIPH, “AS IDAHO’S RESPONSE to the COVID-19 pandemic transitions from a statewide response to a regional response, the following plan has been developed by the Board of Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH). The plan is applicable to the following counties within EIPH’s region: Bonneville, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton.”
Please visit eiph.idaho.gov or steelemh.org website for the complete response plan.
Jenny Tracy, Public Information Officer says, “Together we can get through this. We just need to practice safety, flexibility, and compassion for one another. Be Well.”
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