Great River Health is working with Des Moines County Public Health, the
Iowa Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention to prevent or contain COVID-19 (coronavirus) in southeast Iowa.
“Our top priority is protecting our patients and employees, and providing
accurate information to our community,” said Matt Wenzel, president and CEO.
The health system and, more specifically, Great River Medical Center announce
the following changes to visiting and receiving care. Fort Madison Community
Hospital, which also is part of Great River Health, will announce its
changes separately.
Visiting restrictions
Visiting restrictions will be announced Wednesday. Hospital leaders are
working on a plan. People who have a runny nose, cough, fever and other
symptoms of a respiratory illness should never visit hospital patients.
Access to care
Great River QuickCare
Great River QuickCare has changed its process for providing care. Patients
should call 319-768-4320, to request an appointment. They should check
in when they arrive and then wait in their vehicles until an examination
room becomes available.
Only patients without vehicles are allowed to wait inside the clinic while
wearing a mask. Only the patient and one other person may be in an examination
room, unless a parent brings more than one child.
Cancellations
Events
Most public events offered by Great River Health through April 30, have
been cancelled. However, some clinical programs will be held. Please visit
greatriverhealth.org/events or Facebook for more information.
Great River Health Fitness
Health Fitness will be closed from Tuesday, March 17, until the nationwide
outbreak is contained. This includes exercise equipment, land and water
classes, and personal training. Heath Fitness memberships will be extended
for the length of time the facility is closed.
These services will continue: Occupational, physical and speech therapy;
cardiac rehabilitation phase II and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Universal Fitness
Universal Fitness will be closed from Tuesday, March 17, until the nationwide
outbreak is contained. This includes classes and personal training. Gym
memberships will be extended for the length of time the facility is closed.
Universal Therapy Group will continue providing physical therapy.
Breastfeeding Clinic
The weekly Breastfeeding Clinic is canceled until the nationwide outbreak
is contained. Mothers who need individual help with breastfeeding or checking
their babies’ weight may call 319-768-2618 to make an appointment.
Volunteers
Beginning March 17, volunteers will not be present in an effort to protect
their health. Many of our volunteers meet the criteria for the high-risk
age group for the coronavirus. Hospice volunteers are the exception.
Senior Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
SHIIP, a volunteer-based program, will be closed.
Employee travel
To protect our employees and patients from potential coronavirus infection,
Great River Health is restricting health-system sponsored travel for conferences
and work-related activities.
Employees who have traveled on personal time will be required to follow
CDC guidelines when the return to work.
Where to go for more information
· For more information, visit greatriverhealth.org
· For COVID-19 questions, call the Iowa Department of Public Health
by dialing 211.