How is MercyOne providing safe care?

At MercyOne, our circle of care has been navigating through the pandemic with one over-arching goal: to continue providing the highest-quality and personalized care to every patient who comes to us in need. Despite the obstacles and challenges presented by COVID-19, we have embraced our mission to serve with fidelity to the Gospel as a compassionate, healing ministry of Jesus Christ to transform the health of our communities—holding fast to those tenets and offering compassion, healing and hope to everyone we are privileged to serve.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MercyOne has continued to perform essential surgeries and procedures for patients for whom a delay could cause harm. After a thorough evaluation, we've moved forward to resume other select surgeries, procedures, clinic visits and other services.

"Safety is our top priority, and we have enhanced protocols in place to protect you and our caregivers," said MercyOne Clinton Medical Center Hospitalist Alaidden Taher, MD. "This past year, you, like many others, may have had to postpone important doctor visits, surgeries, screenings or other exams. Now is the time to get your health back on track, and we are committed to providing the safest health care environment possible so you can seek the care you need from us in confidence."

Safety Precautions in place at MercyOne

1. Everyone entering our facilities, from patients to MercyOne colleagues—is screened for symptoms of COVID-19, including having their temperature checked.
2. We provide and require masks to be worn by everyone throughout our facilities.
3. We have established designated areas where we provide care only for those not known to have COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms to help reduce the risk of infection.
4. We're following guidelines to test patients for COVID-19 prior to scheduled procedures.
5. We're doing more cleaning than ever before, especially of high-touch surfaces in both patient care and public spaces like lobbies, waiting areas and restrooms. MercyOne Environmental Services teams constantly move throughout our facilities, deep cleaning them multiple times a day. All operating, emergency, inpatient and procedure rooms get an intense disinfecting and cleaning from the ceiling to the floor between each patient, with special attention to surfaces that are often touched, like doorknobs, light switches, hand sanitizer dispensers, furniture, armrests and beds.
6. We continue to limit visitors for your safety and for our colleagues. Please contact your local MercyOne for details and how we can assist you in connecting with your loved one while in our care.
7. Hand-sanitizing stations are available throughout our facilities for your convenience.
8. We are following social-distancing guidelines in all our facilities - including the use of floor stickers and signs to encourage appropriate six-foot spacing.
9. Our Food and Nutrition Services have made changes for your safety. All food items are placed in carry-out containers, pre-packaged plastic cutlery, napkins and condiments are provided, and many items are available for carryout.
10. Many of our providers now offer telehealth appointments as an option for receiving care. Telehealth allows you to meet with your MercyOne primary care or specialty provider through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video chat or phone call without leaving the comfort of your home. If you're interested in scheduling a virtual visit, we encourage you to call your provider's office or you can learn more at www.mercyone.org/virtualvisits.

In times like these, our mission to serve our communities and be your trusted health care partner is more important than ever. So, don't delay your necessary care and schedule your next appointment with confidence. Let's all stay healthy…together!