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Community Notes: Floyd County Medical Center prepares for pandemic

By Rodney Nordeng, Administrator, Floyd County Medical Center

Planning and specific actions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been ongoing at Floyd County Medical Center since early March.

Every morning a COVID-19 conference call is held with all managers and providers to review changes in the pandemic, review FCMC’s preparedness and make appropriate changes in operations. From this daily call the following actions have been taken:

Community Notes: Floyd County Medical Center prepares for pandemic
Rod Nordeng

• Implementation of a robust procurement and tracking system for protective personal equipment (PPE) and other supplies. In many cases the prices paid for these items have increased up to 10 times what FCMC paid prior to the pandemic.

• Partnerships with local volunteers in the production of cloth masks that are used by outpatients, visitors and some of our staff.
• Establishment of a respiratory clinic at our clinic.

• Four additional exam areas within the Emergency Department for the potential surge in patients.

• Conversion of one of the Operating Room suites for potential COVID patients requiring a ventilator while waiting for transfer to an ICU at a larger medical center.

• The South Wing of the hospital is set up for respiratory and COVID patients not requiring an ICU.

• All patients, outpatients and visitors enter through one of two entrances for screening. Those entrances are either admissions or after hours the Emergency Department.

• All employees are screened prior to starting their shifts.

• Social distancing actions have been taken with cafeteria restrictions, increased spacing in any waiting areas and registration areas.

One of the most recent and well received actions is the implementation of virtual visits for patients to be in their homes and talk directly with their surgeon, physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.

Patients may call 641-228-5181 to schedule a virtual visit with their clinic provider and 641-257-4309 to schedule a virtual visit with Dr. VanGilder, general surgeon.

It is very important to know that FCMC is open to provide needed services within the framework of Gov. Reynolds’ orders. Readers of the Press also know that we are delivering babies.

FCMC was here prior to the pandemic, we will be here for you during the pandemic and we will rejoice with you after the pandemic.

Please find the practices that help you through this time; perhaps it is prayer, calling someone who lives alone to check in, listening to music, surprising someone with a gift, planning a future weekend trip or celebration.

It has been very humbling to share with my FCMC colleagues all of the thank-you’s and gifts of generosity. We have received a Hero’s Banner, coffee sponsorship for us at Aroma’s, coffee at McDonalds, anonymous donation of pizza and subs, cards, hundreds of donated masks, and the list goes on.

As we all practice social distancing, may I share my mantra with you: Stay Healthy. Stay in Touch. See You Soon.

Peace.

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