Great River Health Announces Changes Related to COVID-19

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 announces 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 they 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.