Clinton’s Indian Health Clinic taking extra virus precautions

Time to read
1 minute
Read so far

Clinton’s Indian Health Clinic taking extra virus precautions

Tue, 03/31/2020 - 14:42
Posted in:
Subheader body

El Reno, Watonga sites adopt new patient guidelines

Small Image
Covid-19 graphic
Body

CLINTON - The Indian Health Service Clinton Service Unit (CSU) is taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of patients and staff during the national emergency of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

“CSU’s three outpatient clinical facilities of Clinton, El Reno and Watonga Indian Health Centers follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect patients and staff from potential exposure to COVID-19,” said Joe Bryant, CSU chief executive officer.

“CSU is open for patient care, but we are creating an atmosphere to foster social distancing and limiting patient and staff exposure as much as possible.”

For the duration of this national emergency, providers and support staff will work with patients by phone to determine each patient's health-care needs and devise a plan of care.

“We want to let patients know CSU is here to serve them if they are sick,” said Bryant.

“To reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure, we are asking for patients to avoid coming to the clinic unless necessary. We will provide care over the phone for patients who develop mild symptoms or are in need of follow-up on regular care.”

The use of telehealth and care by phone is being used to limit the amount of patients in the waiting areas. Clinton Indian Health Center has established a sick area and well area for patients.

El Reno and Watonga Indian Health Centers are asking for patients to wait in their car instead of the waiting area until it is time to be seen.

The main entrance will remain open at each facility. All patients, staff and visitors will be screened upon entering the facility, and only one visitor will be allowed per patient.

CSU encourages patients to fill prescription medication by mail. For those who need to travel to the clinic for medication refills, curbside pharmacy services have been set up to deliver medications to the patient’s car by CSU staff.

“We must be vigilant in our efforts to slow the spread of infection among our patients and within the communities we serve,” Bryant went on to say.

“The best measures to prevent infection are the ones we already know about. They include hand-washing, good hygiene, practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others and staying home as much as possible.

“Take care of yourself by ensuring you take all chronic medication as directed, get enough sleep and stay hydrated.”

COVID-19 updates are available at https://www.ihs.gov/.

Information from the CDC on COVID-19 is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.