JCHC Officials Hold News Conference on Coronavirus

Officials with the Johnson County Healthcare Center organized a news conference with the media on Monday to discuss the healthcare center’s plans for dealing with and answer questions about COVID-19.

Hospital CEO Sean McCallister said the facility will be working with the community during this difficult time.

McCallister, along with County Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Schueler, Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. Ryam Ludwig, and Public Information Officer Marcy Schueler, presented facts and answered questions in what is planned to be a weekly meeting with the media.

McCallister gave some steps to help the public protect themselves during this time.

Avoiding close contact with people, staying at least 4 to 6 feet away is a good idea.

The virus is likely already in the community, so reducing the impact should be the focus.

Canceling events, closing schools, and encouraging people to work from home if possible will also help flatten the curve and reduce how fast the virus spreads through the population.

The healthcare center has implemented a number of plans to deal with the coronavirus, and those can be seen by finding this story online at sheridanmedia.com.

The Hospital’s plan to deal with the coronavirus issue:

* They activated their HICS (Hospital Incident Command System) early last week.

* Last week they hospitalized and tested one patient who was ultimately negative for the virus and has since been discharged.

* They have locked down AHCC.

* Released their volunteers and closed the Happy Apple gift shop.

* Limiting Hospital and Clinic access to two main entrances (east & west) and conducting screenings on everyone

* AHCC limited to the front entrance only; screenings conducted on employees and vendors

* Established scripting for employees who answer phones.

* Bolstered staffing over the weekend to help answer phone calls.

* All non-essential face-to-face clinic appointments are being canceled and replaced by telephone check-ins.

* After the surgical schedule is fulfilled this week, they will delay all elective (non-urgent) procedures until further notice.

* OB patients in labor will use a separate entrance.

* This week planning the logistics for an external triage location and process if necessary in the future.

* Considering ways we can support employees given school cancellation and child care facility closures.

* Canceled our annual Health Fair this month.

* Considering how to handle next week’s Foundation and Hospital board meetings.

* People can call the regular hospital, clinic and nursing home phone numbers for information.

Additionally, the facility has identified the Bomber Mountain Civic Center as an Alternate Care Site should it become necessary.