Carroll County Memorial Hospital Moves to NO Visitor Policy to Protect Against COVID-19

March 17, 2020

Carroll County Memorial Hospital will implement a No Visitor Policy, effective Wednesday, March 18, which will be restricting all non-essential visitors throughout all areas of CCMH, including the Emergency Department and Jefferson Medical Group. This precaution is being taken by CCMH to protect our patients and staff in our facility and the community against the coronavirus, COVID-19, as we join many other hospitals in the mid-west and all of HCA hospitals nationwide doing the same.

There will be exceptions to the No Visitor Policy only for those individuals deemed necessary to the patient’s care, including:

• One dedicated parent/caregiver for pediatric or mentally disabled patients who cannot be left alone
• One dedicated caregiver/driver for outpatient surgery patients
• One dedicated caregiver/driver for outpatient services, such as Physical Therapy or other outpatient diagnostic services.
• Special considerations will be given to family members for patients where end of life care is being given. 

Any individual granted an exception must screen negative to enter the facility.

“We understand this policy is difficult for patients and visitors,” said Jeff Tindle, CCMH Chief Executive Officer. “However, we must take these new restrictions out of an abundance of caution to help stem the spread of COVID-19 and further minimize the risk of exposure to our patients, visitors and colleagues. We’ve seen an increase in the number of positive cases throughout the United States and fully expect these numbers to rise. It’s more important than ever to remain diligent in following our safety protocols to keep our communities safe.”

As a reminder, CCMH has limited access to the main hospital through two entry points. Anyone coming into the hospital will need to enter through the Emergency Walk-in Entrance (located under the red emergency sign), open 24/7, or the CCMH Medical Plaza Entrance, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Entrance to the Jefferson Medical Pavilion will be limited to the Jefferson Street entrance only. All patients entering our facility will need to pre-screen. If patients are experiencing any symptoms of illness, they will be asked to wear a mask and seek treatment, if necessary.

The pre-screening questions are:

• Do you have a fever?
• Do you have a cough or shortness of breath and/or have traveled outside the US in the past 14 days?
• Have you had direct contact with someone who is currently being screened or has been diagnosed with COVID-19?

“COVID-19 has captured the attention of everyone right now,” said Andy Horine, D.O., CCMH Chief Medical Information Officer. “It is important to remember that most of us will have a mild illness; headache, body ache, cough, sore throat, and fever. While uncomfortable, we will likely recover without much issue. Of course, there are exceptions, and those at increased risk are people with chronic diseases especially chronic lung disease. I encourage everyone to take reasonable precautions such as good handwashing, cover your coughs and sneezes, minimize touching your face, and consider avoiding large groups unless truly necessary. These are the most important actions steps our community can take to minimize exposure and spread of all illness.”

CCMH continues to work in close partnership with state and local health departments and the CDC, and will provide updates as needed.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services activated a statewide public hotline at 877-435-8411 for citizens needing guidance regarding COVID-19. The hotline is operated by medical professionals and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information about the services at Carroll County Memorial Hospital, visit our website http://www.carrollcountyhospital.org or call 660-542-1695.

Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), the area’s premier healthcare resource, is a 25-bed Critical Access facility serving Carrollton and the surrounding communities. It offers 24-hour emergency care, specialized services such as advanced diagnostics, post-acute skilled care (swing bed) and comprehensive family care. CCMH is dedicated to the Health and Well Being of All We Serve. For more information, visit carrollcountyhospital.org.