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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information

Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

COVID-19 Online Risk Assessment

To help support the health of our community, we are providing access to an online COVID-19 risk assessment developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This tool does NOT provide a diagnosis, and it should NOT be used as a substitute for an assessment made by a healthcare provider.

Visitation Guidelines:

At WVMC, our top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees and community. We continue to closely monitor the prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community and follow state and federal guidance as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients. As COVID-19 cases rise in our region, effective 11/16/2020, we are restricting our visitor policy as follows:

  • Patients will be limited to one WELL visitors per day.
  • All visitors must be 16 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry and will be required to wear a mask and badge at all times while in the facility.
  • Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until being symptom-free for 72 hours. .
  • We continue to screen everyone who enters our facilities for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines.
  • Please utilize alternative methods of communication, including technology, with patients as much as possible.
  • Exceptions include pediatric and end-of-life patients. Patients with disabilities may have a support person at all times.

Signage is being posted around the facility notifying visitors and the community of these new restrictions and guidelines.

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe environment for our patients and team.

How is Willamette Valley Medical Center prepared for COVID-19?

Willamette Valley Medical Center has taken the following measures to prepare, in accordance with CDC guidelines:

  • Restricted all visitor access within the hospital.
  • All individuals entering the facility are screened for symptoms, potential exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual, and travel history.
  • Personal protective equipment is available, including face masks and eye protection, for example.
  • Hand hygiene products are easily accessible throughout the facility.
  • Clinical teams are trained on the proper procedures and protocols to minimize the risk of spreading any infectious disease, including COVID-19
  • Establish processes and procedures for potential patient surges.

Understanding COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It is believed to spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms have included mild to severe respiratory illness in addition to fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider to identify the safest way to receive care while minimizing the risk of exposing others.

  • How can I protect myself?

    You are the best defense against viruses and other infections. Follow these tips to keep you and your family healthy:

    • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or
    • Use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Avoid sharing food, cups, or eating utensils.
    • Disinfect your home and belongings, such as children’s toys and play areas.
    • Stay home from school or work if you are sick.
    • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue, you sleeve, or your elbow and NOT your bare hands
  • What if I feel sick?

    If you are experiencing symptoms of mild illness (fever, cough, mild shortness of breath):

    • Stay home.
    • Stay away from others in your home.
    • Keep everyone in your household home.
    • Wear a face mask.
    • Contact your healthcare provider to identify the safest way to receive care while minimizing the risk of exposing others.
    • Avoid coming to the emergency department, unless you have a health emergency and/or you have been advised by your health care provider to do so. This helps prevent the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection. As always, call 911 or go to the emergency department if you are experiencing a health emergency.

    If you are experiencing emergency signs (trouble breathing, chest pain/pressure, new confusion/can’t awaken, bluish lips or face, other severe symptoms):

    • Call 911 and notify the dispatch agent if your emergency is related to possible COVID-19 symptoms.
  • How can I stay informed?

    Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19.

    For general information on novel coronavirus in Oregon, call 211 or contact the Oregon Health Authority.

  • Should I wear a mask to the hospital?

    All patients and approved WELL guests are required to have a mask/cloth face covering on prior to entering and must wear it for the duration of their visit. (Homemade masks are acceptable.) To help conserve equipment for our health care teams, we strongly encourage you to bring your own mask.

    Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to ensure a safe place of care for our patients, guests and employees.

    For information and recommendations regarding cloth face coverings for the general public, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

  • Are you accepting donations of supplies and other essential items?

    We have been truly overwhelmed with gratitude by the care our community has shown in their willingness donate and craft protective equipment to our facility. It is inspiring to be part of a community coming together to take care of its’ health care teams.

    If you have supplies, food, or equipment you would like to donate, please contact our WVMC team at 503.435.4596 to arrange delivery.

  • Is the hospital clean and safe?

    Our hospital is clean and safe – just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility.

  • What specific steps are you taking to maintain a clean and safe environment?

    We comply with best practices for infection prevention of infectious diseases like COVID-19, which include:

    1. Our teams conduct terminal cleaning and disinfection of all sterile areas, including operating and procedural rooms, in accordance with industry standards and best practices.We have enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high-touch items and surfaces in high-traffic areas of our facility, including our emergency room, lobbies, waiting areas, hallways, restrooms, elevators.

      1. following hand hygiene protocol and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

      2. ensuring availability and access to hand sanitizer and soap throughout the facility

      3. using proper disinfectants, cleaning agents and supplies that meet state and federal infection control standards

    2. Inspections and rounding have been increased to monitor compliance of our multi-step cleaning and disinfection process.

    3. In addition to reinforcing our routine cleaning techniques, we are also educating and training our teams on the latest guidance and recommendations for infection prevention related to COVID-19.

    4. Visitor Restrictions, Screening & Masking: Our hospital continues to enforce limited visitor restrictions, restricted access to our facility, and screening every individual who enters our facility including patients, visitors, staff, providers, and vendors. Everyone is required to wear a face covering while in our facility.