Family Care Clinics of Bates County Memorial Hospital have planned a careful reopening strategy for resuming closer-to-normal clinic services starting May 18 for Adrian and Butler Clinics, and May 19 in Rich Hill.
“We’re looking forward to offering more access to health care for everyone in our community,” said Greg Weaver, Chief Operating Officer and Family Care Clinic Practice Manager at BCMH. “We also want our patients to be safe and feel comfortable coming in to our clinics for care, so we are continuing to be extremely cautious.”
Because clinics have rigorous screening procedures and strict visitor policies in place, the risk of contracting the virus in a doctor’s office or urgent care facility is low. It’s important to know that you can safely seek medical care and protect yourself.
New clinic procedures, as of May 18, include:
- All clinics will maintain low patient volumes.
- Telehealth visits continue to be offered.
- Patients with respiratory symptoms will be scheduled only at High Street and Nursery Street clinics.
- Adrian and Rich Hill clinics will only see patients without respiratory symptoms as COVID-19 testing will not be available at those locations.
- Patients will have temperature screenings at the door and given masks to wear if they do not have their own.
- Waiting rooms will be limited to number of patients, with chairs spaced 6 feet apart.
- Waiting rooms at Nursery and High will be divided into areas for well patients and sick patients. Clinics in Adrian and Rich Hill will use the parking area for patient overflow and ill patients.
- Adult patients should plan to come alone to their appointment. Please make arrangements with staff ahead of time for adult patients who may need assistance. Children should be accompanied by one parent or guardian.
- Well child exams and physicals for children 17 and under will be scheduled for Monday mornings at Nursery Street clinic.
- Extended hours will resume at Nursery and High Street clinics.
- Saturday clinics at Adrian, High Street and Nursery Street will resume on June 6th. COVID testing is not available during Saturday clinics. Those patients may be seen in the emergency room.
Bates County Memorial Hospital will continually evaluate whether our region remains at a low risk of incidence and will be prepared to cease non-essential visits in the event of a surge. Please contact the hospital with any questions about our guidelines by calling 660-200-7000. Visit www.bcmhospital.com for more details.
