HRMC Prepared for Safe Care

March 20, 2020, HRMC Taking Precautions to Protect Our Community

HURON, SD – Huron Regional Medical Center is actively working with the South Dakota Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Beadle County Unified COVID-19 Task Force to stay prepared to manage coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19.

HRMC has activated a Healthcare Incident Command System with leaders meeting twice daily to assess priorities and make plans to ensure patients, staff, visitors, and the community are cared for in a safe manner. These efforts reflect a coordinated approach focused on safety, readiness, and communication as conditions continue to evolve.

To help reduce the risk of spreading infections, individuals with respiratory symptoms or those feeling ill are asked not to visit the hospital at this time. These early steps help protect vulnerable patients and support a safer care environment.

Operational Changes

Visitor Restrictions Updated

In addition to existing visitor restrictions requiring visitors to be over age 12, in good health, and free of recent respiratory or stomach flu symptoms, updated measures include:

• Limiting visitors to one immediate family member per patient for the entire stay

• Screening family members for signs of respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and recent travel

• Designating visitor entry doors to the main lobby and emergency room entrances

Friends and family are encouraged to connect with patients by phone or FaceTime. E-cards may also be sent through the hospital website at huronregional.org.

Traffic Control Measures

To support screening and patient flow, HRMC is limiting entrances and screening all individuals upon entry. Large vinyl numbers have been placed on doors to assist with navigation.

Door 1, ER Entrance
Available 24 hours a day. Patients with suspected COVID-19 symptoms should call before arrival. All entrants will be screened.

Door 2, Main Lobby Entrance
For scheduled patients and visitors, open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with staff available for screening.

Door 3, South Surgery Entrance
Restricted to outpatient treatment patients and HRMC employees.

Door 4, Central Towers Entrance
For dialysis, wound care, and Specialty Clinic patients. Open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 5:30 a.m. to noon.

Patient Guidance

Elective Appointments Deferred

In cooperation with medical staff, HRMC has temporarily deferred elective clinic visits, tests, treatments, and surgeries. Departments are coordinating directly with providers, and patients will be contacted regarding appointments.

This approach aligns with national recommendations to conserve protective equipment, expand hospital capacity, and reduce virus transmission while continuing care for those who are ill.

If You Experience Symptoms

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread person to person. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Patients are asked to call their healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital. Medical professionals will determine whether testing is needed to protect patients and staff.

Up-to-date information is available at huronregional.org/COVID-19. Questions may be directed to the HRMC COVID-19 call center at 605-353-6214, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Signs throughout the hospital outline updated visitor restrictions and entry points. HRMC appreciates the community’s support in protecting patients, visitors and staff through good hand hygiene and social distancing.