Safety first

Community HealthCare System officially resumed elective surgeries and wellness visits at hospitals and clinics more than a month ago. Visitor policies were updated June 1 to allow support persons to accompany clinic and surgery patients and to allow one visitor at a time for hospitalized patients. Although operations have changed, one thing remains the same: Keeping patients and associates as safe as possible remains the top priority.

Several procedures are in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19, including the following.

Associates are screened with temperature checks and questions about symptoms and travel each day when they come to work, and all associates are required to wear masks while at work.
Patients and visitors/support persons are screened with temperature checks and questions about symptoms and travel when they enter our facilities; masks are provided for all, and masks are required during hospital visits and in some other areas of our hospitals and clinics. Updates: Those who enter CHCS facilities have been required to wear masks since July 13. Requirements shifted to procedure masks on October 26. Learn more about the policy and exceptions.
Some areas of our hospitals remain closed to visitors, and plexiglass barriers have been installed in most registration locations. Update: The Onaga Community Hospital Cafeteria and Community Home Care Equipment Store allow visitors and patients who have been screened at the hospital entrance as of August 3. Learn more.
Waiting areas in hospitals and clinics are arranged to allow for social distancing.
Our already high standards for cleaning and sterilization are being supplemented with extra cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
Clinics have different times or spaces set aside for well patient visits and for patients who are ill. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are instructed to call before entering clinics and are taken directly to exam rooms.
Extensive infection control training for associates has been provided and is ongoing and updated as necessary.
Most surgery patients are tested for COVID-19 in advance of their procedure.
Virtual visits and home visits remain available for patients who meet specific criteria.

All items above follow guidelines from the American College of Surgeons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Patients with questions about safety are welcome to call their clinic or email info@chcsks.org.

In the photo below, surgery staff are fully dressed in personal protective equipment required to protect against the spread of COVID-19.