HRMC Reduces Restrictions on Outpatient Tests and Treatments

May 18, 2020, HRMC Reduces Restrictions on Outpatient Tests and Treatments

Huron Regional Medical Center has begun lifting temporary restrictions on elective surgical procedures, screening tests and outpatient treatments for non-high-risk patients, marking an important step toward resuming more routine patient care.

“We are excited and ready to begin the gradual process of returning to our normal pre-pandemic patient care operations,” said Pam Shoultz, RN, infection control nurse and surgery director for HRMC. “We will begin slowly and prioritize patients who have placed their care on hold due to COVID-19.”

Services resuming include inpatient and same-day surgical procedures, screening radiology exams, respiratory and cardiac testing, physical, occupational and speech therapies, and phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation.

What’s Resuming

HRMC teams have worked closely with medical providers to develop plans and implement safeguards designed to protect both patients and staff. Safety measures include:

• Patients are screened by phone when scheduling appointments and asked to report any changes in health before their visit

• All individuals are screened for temperature and symptoms upon arrival and asked to wear a mask

• Six-foot distancing is established in public areas, including waiting rooms

• Where possible, patients report directly to their service area

• The number of patients in service areas is limited to support distancing

• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection is performed between patients

• Infectious patients continue to be cared for in isolation areas, away from non-infectious patients

“Our staff is trained to keep all patients safe and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including coronavirus,” said Shoultz. “Patients can feel secure returning to HRMC to receive care. We remain prepared to pause non-essential procedures again if needed due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.”

In addition to these protocols, HRMC continues to work with the South Dakota Department of Health and suppliers to maintain adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, testing materials, and cleaning products.

Patients who had appointments delayed will be contacted by their physician’s care team with scheduling details. While protecting the most vulnerable community members remains a priority, patients are encouraged not to ignore changes in their health.

“Emergency services, diagnostic tests, and urgent procedures have continued throughout the pandemic,” Shoultz added. “It’s important to contact your physician if you experience changes in health or seek immediate care for emergencies such as heart attack, stroke, or serious injury.”

HRMC’s emergency room remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Telehealth services and in-person appointments are also available at the HRMC Physicians Clinic and the Women’s Wellness Center.