Grundy County Memorial Hospital | Live Well | Winter 2021

Jessica Eilers, BSN, RN, CNOR Inside WI NTER 2021 GCMH takes extra care of you At Grundy County Memorial Hospital, rigorous safety protocols are in place as patients seek the health care services they need during the COVID-19 pandemic— whether it’s routine outpatient services, emergency care or care that requires an in- patient stay. The hospital requires daily health screenings for employees, patients and visitors, and masks must be worn within the hospital. Hospital employees who are directly caring for patients wear additional personal protective equip- ment (PPE). Each of these steps are performed consistently to ensure the safety of patients in our care, as well as the safety of our caregivers. To help decrease exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19, additional clean- ing and sanitizing routines have been added several times each day throughout the hospital. Two new ultraviolet light systems aid in cleaning surfaces and the air (see story at right). GCMH Surgery and Patient Experience manager Jessica Eilers, BSN, RN, CNOR, says people who are in need of health care services, such as surgery, are encouraged to speak with their physician or the hospital’s nursing team to address any questions they may have about scheduling care during the pandemic. “Questions you may want to consider include whether your condition or pain will worsen if treatment or surgery is delayed, and whether there are optional treatments to try,” says Eilers. “Above all, our hospital prioritizes the health and safety of our patients. Navigating choices during a pandemic takes information, patience and understanding—and we’re here to help.” NewUV lights improve infection control Two new ultraviolet light disinfection systems are boosting hospital efforts to provide a safe environment for patients. While a UV light system has been in use for five years, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the addition of new units for use in regular cleaning routines. “The UV lights are very ef- fective against a wide array of germs that can cause serious harm in hospitalized patients or during surgery,” says Tasha Opperman, BSN, RN, infection preventionist. “It’s a bonus that these new units also effectively eliminate the virus that causes COVID-19, both in the air and on surfaces.” The hospital’s Environmen- tal Services team uses the units throughout the hospital, includ- ing the Emergency Department, Surgery, Inpatient Department, and public spaces. 3 COVID-19, allergies, cold or flu? 5 Stay active this winter Prepared to care