CALDWELL, Idaho — West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell has launched an online COVID-19 screening tool to assess a person's risk through a series of questions. Based on the answers, the tool will recommend the best next steps for care. To take the assessment, click here.
This week, West Valley began temperature screening everyone who enters the hospital. This includes employees and providers. Currently, the only entrance open is the emergency room entrance. If anyone attempting to enter the hospital has a temperature of 100.4 or higher, or respiratory issues, they will be asked to go home and follow up with employee health as well as their primary care provider, if needed.
Maternity classes through West Valley during April and May have been moved to online only. This includes Breastfeeding 101 and Childbirth Preparation classes. Tours have been canceled as well, but a virtual tour of the Labor and Delivery Unit will be a part of the online courses. An instructor will reach out to those who register for the classes with details.
West Valley has issued a temporary no visitor policy to help limit possible exposure to the novel coronavirus. There are some exemptions to the policy including
- One family member or significant other can stay with laboring mothers
- One parent may stay at the bedside with NICU and pediatric patients
- Visitor rotation (one at a time) will only be allowed for parents of NICU and pediatric patients
- Permitted visitors allowed entry from 7 am to 7 pm and must be over 18
- No visitors will be allowed who exhibit flu-like symptoms or have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive patient.
If a patient or family member has an extenuating circumstance, hospital officials will work with them to accommodate their needs. These include:
- Outpatients, including those in the emergency room and surgery who require assistance
- Durable Powers of Attorney or legal guardian that does not meet the above criteria
- End of life patients
- Certified Doulas may be allowed on a case by case basis
West Valley has canceled the Rock 'N' Run 5 and 10k scheduled for April 25. They are working with the Caldwell Family YMCA to schedule a new date, probably in Fall 2020. The measures are being taken out of an abundance of caution. Bariatric and orthopedic education seminars planned for May have also been canceled.
The cafeteria at West Valley is closed to the general public. It will be open only for employees during breakfast and lunch hours. The salad bar has been removed and the cafeteria is providing more boxed or prepared options. The gift shop and flower sales are temporarily closed as a precaution.
West Valley is working with community resources, schools and churches to identify safe childcare options for children of healthcare workers, including EMS partners. "Our employees stand ready to face the demands ahead of the them," said Betsy Hunsicker, West Valley Chief Executive Officer. "I'm proud to work alongside colleagues who have a true passion for caring for our community, even when times are uncertain."
The West Valley team is conducting table top exercise to be prepared for different circumstances that could arise. The efforts include reinforcing appropriate infection prevention protocols and guidance from the CDC. West Valley regularly treats patients with infectious diseases and the clinical teams are highly trained in infection prevention protocols.
| Members of the West Valley Emergency Department shared this thank you message to HCA Healthcare for new programs recently implemented including Universal Masking and Pandemic Pay. |
