Mineral County Hospital works to improve visitor access
Michael Blyzek installs a metal post for a section of iron fence panels to be put in place at the new outdoor visitor space for Mineral Community Hospital. Although project completion won't be until next spring, the fencing was expected to be finished up last week. (Amy Quinlivan/Mineral Independent)
Since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities across Montana and the country have faced unparalleled hardships in caring for patients and meeting their needs.
One of those vital needs is visitation and contact with loved ones. This is something that the staff at Mineral Community Hospital is working hard to accommodate this upcoming winter.
For a short time, Mineral Community Hospital in Superior was on lockdown with window visitation and end-of-life visitation only, no visitors were allowed in the building.
Although it was for safety, this left the patients feeling isolated and it was challenging for the staff as well.
Once the lockdown ended hospital CEO Laurel Chambers remarked, “We have still been able to allow some visitation which has been great. It is hard on staff and residents and families. We have worked hard to come up with creative ways to engage family and residents.”
One creative option for patients wishing to see their family members was to visit outdoors, but warm weather doesn’t last long in Mineral County.
Alex Conrow is a Patient Care Coordinator at Mineral Community Hospital. Along with other staff she’s been eager to find a solution for patients and their families.
She said, “We started allowing outdoor visitation with masking and social distancing in late June, early July. The activities room visitation just started a couple of weeks ago with the weather change.”
Conrow explained, “Right now, due to lower COVID numbers, we are allowing scheduled visitation through myself. If families or friends call, we can coordinate visitation outside weather permitting, or in our activities room. Two visitors at a time.”
Weather permitting was the catch, and MCH decided to find a way to work around it. Chambers stated, “We have wanted to create an outdoor space for residents for quite some time but the idea came to light due to Covid and the need for outdoor visitation.”
For the past month work has been done on the west lawn near the hospitals long term care wing. A newly constructed wooden privacy fence and covered gathering space has allowed patients to enjoy a few more outdoor visits with loved ones.
“Phase 1 of the outdoor space is near completion. In the spring we will complete the project with some landscaping, and outdoor seating. It includes a fully handicap accessible paved path and patio space with a covered gazebo. It will be used daily for residents to enjoy outside time,” described Chambers.
She noted, “The outdoor space will be used for residents to enjoy the fresh air and nature. Our activities director will also use the outdoor area for a variety of activities. In addition, outdoor visitation has been deemed as the safest form of visitation during Covid.”
Chambers added, “Thankfully due to our county numbers being low we are still able to allow visitation with strict guidelines.”
Once visitation is scheduled whether inside or outside guests must check in at the Emergency Room Entrance. They will be asked to answer a COVID-19 screening questionnaire, temperatures will be checked, and visitors must wear a mask.
After being escorted to either an outside space or the activities room guests must remain masked and six feet away during their stay.
Conrow shared, “It has worked well thus far and feel lucky to be able to provide visitation.”