Emerson Health and our affiliated physician practices are committed to providing the expert medical care you need in a safe environment. The measures implemented at our main hospital, off-site locations, urgent care centers and physician practices include:
- Screening/Masks: Everyone entering our hospital, outpatient practices and facilities — staff, patients and visitors — are screened for symptoms, required to sanitize their hands, and provided a mask to wear during their visit. We will make accommodations for patients who cannot tolerate a mask.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Our staff have the proper personal protective equipment in ample supply and follow strict guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All staff wear a surgical mask and sometimes might wear gown, gloves and face shield when necessary.
- Cleaning: Frequent, thorough and enhanced cleaning protocols throughout the hospital and our off-site facilities. This includes disinfecting exam rooms and equipment, as well as all common areas, including hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms and door knobs. Learn more about the efforts our Environmental Services team is doing to keep you healthy.
- Hand Hygiene: We have hand sanitizers throughout our facilities so patients, visitors and staff can clean their hands easily and often. We also encourage patients and staff to wash their hands with soap and water frequently. Good hand hygiene is essential to good health.
- Visitor Policy: In an effort to protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors, and employees, our visitor policy for the hospital and our ambulatory/outpatient facilities has been updated to reflect the limitations that the COVID-19 pandemic has created. Click here to read our full, up-to-date visitor policy.
Additional safety measures include:
- Enhanced infection control policies to reduce the spread of germs and care for patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19.
- Emerson has a fully-staffed infection control department, including an infectious disease physician and nurse, to ensure we implement best practices in keeping with CDC guidelines.
- Clinicians using telehealth/virtual visits for patients when possible
- Regular training for staff on the latest safe practices and protocols
- Staff on-site to help guide patients between appointments
You can expect the same high level of care from us as you have in the past, just with masks and other safety measures to protect you, your family and our staff. Please call us or your physician’s office if you have any questions. You should not worry about your health alone — we are here to answer your questions and provide you with the best medical care. Thank you for choosing us for your care and for your patience and understanding of these policies that are in place to keep everyone safe.
