Central Wyoming News

Campbell County Health (CCH) would like to provide the following information regarding the omicron-related surge in COVID-19 in our community, and changes to CCH protocols.

Wyoming is expecting a surge in COVID-19 cases in the next few weeks as the Omicron variant spreads throughout the U.S. CCH is committed to mitigating the dangers of COVID-19 to both our staff and our patients. This variant is highly contagious and spreads easily. Though the virus appears milder for individuals without comorbidities, we are a hospital and the place of last resort for ill patients that need medical care.

We expect staffing shortages to occur throughout the organization as more employees test positive for COVID-19. This causes a significant strain on staffing in the hospital, clinics, and The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center (LLRC). Our goal is to continue to provide healthcare for the community in our hospital, clinics, Walk-in Clinic, Emergency Department, and LLRC. Patients should not delay their care. Please contact your healthcare provider for any health concerns. Each clinic can provide specific information to patients on how to manage their visit(s).

If you are having a medical emergency call 911.

To support our employees who are working, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and to help maintain the safety of staff and patients, CCH is updating its COVID-19 protocols.

Starting January 14, 2022:

CCMG clinics will begin contacting patients to switch their appointments to virtual visits where possible. Patients will be asked to have their wellness visits, follow-up visits, and medication refill visits conducted via telemedicine to reduce the number of patients in the facility and reduce the opportunity for COVID-19 transmission. Staff will walk patients through the process of a telemedicine visit to ensure they feel comfortable and their healthcare needs are addressed. This includes Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Urology, Endocrinology, Complex & Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Family Clinic in Hulett, and the Kid Clinic.

The counselors at the Kid Clinic will continue to see patients in-person, but will have patients call ahead when they arrive, and escort patients back for their appointments to limit waiting room exposure.

The Wright Clinic will continue to see patients in-person, but will have patients call ahead when they arrive, and escort patients back for their appointments to limit waiting room exposure.

The CCMH Gift Shoppe will be closed until further notice.

Volunteers will not be allowed in CCH facilities, with the exception of clinical students and volunteer chaplains.

The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center will continue to allow visitation. All visitors must be screened and wear a mask. Children under 12 are not allowed to visit, though exceptions may be made in end-of-life situations. Volunteers are allowed at The Legacy.

Starting Monday, January 17, 2022:

Visitation and Outpatient Guidelines will change to Level Red. This change in status is due to community positivity rates exceeding 30% on average. This means:

• Inpatient visitation is not allowed. Exceptions may be made for pediatric patients, end of life, patients with altered mental status and patients with physical/developmental delays.

• One support person may be admitted for patients in the Maternal Child Unit.

• Patients at End of Life may have visitors that are screened and wear a mask and wear additional PPE as necessary.

• Inpatients at Behavioral Health Services should check with the unit directly for visitation requests.

• Outpatients may not have additional persons accompany them during their visit. Exceptions may be made for pediatric patients, patients with altered mental status and patients with physical/developmental delays.

For the complete list of guidelines for visitation to CCH during Level Red please visit www.cchwyo.org/vr.

We understand that these changes are difficult and we appreciate your support as we work to provide quality patient care while protecting our patients and staff.

Original source can be found here.