Letter from Daviess Community Hospital CEO

The following is a letter to the community from Daviess Community Hospital’s CEO, Tracy Conroy.

The way we deliver healthcare has changed drastically due to the Pandemic. We have worked hard and made necessary changes to ensure the safety of our community, patients, and employees. We have all adhered to the guidelines of sheltering in place, universal masking, and frequent hand washing. Due to the effectiveness of the measures we have taken to minimize the spread of the virus, we are now able and ready to serve the community. Effective immediately we are scheduling elective surgeries, imaging procedures including screening mammograms, and providing face to face provider visits. We are pleased to welcome back our patients for procedures at DCH!

Many operational processes are in place to begin a safe reopening for surgical procedures and imaging exams. During this time, we will ensure adequate PPE, adequate testing for COVID-19, safe registration process, and physical distancing while waiting.

It is with confidence that we welcome you and your family members back for the care you have postponed during this time. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not be afraid to come to the hospital for treatment. Rest assured we are following state and federal guidelines and working in collaboration with Ascension St. Vincent to ensure a successful roadmap of reopening for business.

It is important that our community, patients, and employees feel safe as we transition from Surge Planning to Recovery Phase Planning. We have increased safeguards in place to make sure our hospital and primary care clinics are safe. Unfortunately, as a result of the COVID-19 virus, we have had to implement many changes as we face a new reality including:

• Designated location for patients with signs/symptoms of COVID-19.
• Patients with symptoms of the virus who come to our emergency room are immediately isolated to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
• Patients under investigation for COVID-19 and need to be hospitalized are admitted to a dedicated unit.
• All of our employees, visitors, and patients will continue to be screened at the front door and be given a mask to wear for safety.
• Visitor restrictions at all DCH locations remain in place to limit the potential spread of the virus.
• Waiting rooms will be designed so that physical distancing and limited interaction is achieved.
• Staggered appointment times for exams, screenings and procedures help to limit the number of patients in one area.
• Pre-Op testing for procedures will include test for COVID-19 four days prior to surgery.
• Additional cleaning and disinfecting of all sites of care, including waiting areas.
• Universal masking for all persons entering the hospital.
• Telehealth visits are still an option and recommended for some patients.
• Car side testing at DCH Quick Care for those experiencing respiratory signs and symptoms.
• Waiting in vehicle until called for visit when space is limited in clinics.

We know as we gradually resume daily operations for all services there will be many challenges. Together we can overcome these challenges as we begin our new normal during this Pandemic. We appreciate your support and cooperation during this unprecedented time. DCH is committed to providing quality compassionate care safely and thoughtfully. Thank you for trusting us with your care.

Tracy Conroy, CEO

Daviess Community HospitalThe following is a letter to the community from Daviess Community Hospital’s CEO, Tracy Conroy.

The way we deliver healthcare has changed drastically due to the Pandemic. We have worked hard and made necessary changes to ensure the safety of our community, patients, and employees. We have all adhered to the guidelines of sheltering in place, universal masking, and frequent hand washing. Due to the effectiveness of the measures we have taken to minimize the spread of the virus, we are now able and ready to serve the community. Effective immediately we are scheduling elective surgeries, imaging procedures including screening mammograms, and providing face to face provider visits. We are pleased to welcome back our patients for procedures at DCH!

Many operational processes are in place to begin a safe reopening for surgical procedures and imaging exams. During this time, we will ensure adequate PPE, adequate testing for COVID-19, safe registration process, and physical distancing while waiting.

It is with confidence that we welcome you and your family members back for the care you have postponed during this time. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not be afraid to come to the hospital for treatment. Rest assured we are following state and federal guidelines and working in collaboration with Ascension St. Vincent to ensure a successful roadmap of reopening for business.

It is important that our community, patients, and employees feel safe as we transition from Surge Planning to Recovery Phase Planning. We have increased safeguards in place to make sure our hospital and primary care clinics are safe. Unfortunately, as a result of the COVID-19 virus, we have had to implement many changes as we face a new reality including:

• Designated location for patients with signs/symptoms of COVID-19.
• Patients with symptoms of the virus who come to our emergency room are immediately isolated to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
• Patients under investigation for COVID-19 and need to be hospitalized are admitted to a dedicated unit.
• All of our employees, visitors, and patients will continue to be screened at the front door and be given a mask to wear for safety.
• Visitor restrictions at all DCH locations remain in place to limit the potential spread of the virus.
• Waiting rooms will be designed so that physical distancing and limited interaction is achieved.
• Staggered appointment times for exams, screenings and procedures help to limit the number of patients in one area.
• Pre-Op testing for procedures will include test for COVID-19 four days prior to surgery.
• Additional cleaning and disinfecting of all sites of care, including waiting areas.
• Universal masking for all persons entering the hospital.
• Telehealth visits are still an option and recommended for some patients.
• Car side testing at DCH Quick Care for those experiencing respiratory signs and symptoms.
• Waiting in vehicle until called for visit when space is limited in clinics.

We know as we gradually resume daily operations for all services there will be many challenges. Together we can overcome these challenges as we begin our new normal during this Pandemic. We appreciate your support and cooperation during this unprecedented time. DCH is committed to providing quality compassionate care safely and thoughtfully. Thank you for trusting us with your care.

Tracy Conroy, CEO

Daviess Community Hospital