In order to keep patients and staff safe, anyone entering Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, for an appointment or to visit, must answer screening questions. (submitted photo)

Winn. Medical Center offers updates

Effective Monday, Winneshiek Medical Center (WMC) in Decorah is now deferring all elective care (care that can wait until later without putting you at risk).

This includes elective surgeries, procedures, and office visits. Semi-urgent, urgent, and emergency care will continue in clinic and hospital settings. This deferment is in alignment with Mayo Clinic and Gundersen Health System.

If you have an appointment already scheduled, WMC staff will be contact you to reschedule, if necessary. 

WMC will also be further limiting visitors. The new guidelines are as follows:

•  Visiting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for “well” visitors only;
•  “Well” includes no fever, cough, sore throat, and/or achiness;
•  Visitors must be over the age of 18;
•  There is a one-visitor limit per inpatient stay (same visitor for the duration of the patient stay)
•  A spouse/support person is the only allowed visitor in the OB department;
•  All visitors must clean their hands before entering any patient room. WMC provides hand sanitizer wall dispensers throughout the facility;
•  All visitors will be screened prior to entering the facility.

WMC announced that all Saturday morning lab draws and appointment are cancelled until further notice. Lab screening services are also discontinued until further notice.

Last week, WMC also announced that while it appreciates the support that many have offered to make homemade masks, the facility is waiting on official word from the Iowa Department of Public Health on if and how these masks can meet specific infection control standards. If the hospital/clinic is able to accept homemade masks safely, it will be announced on Facebook and through local media with details. For now, WMC is asking that the public continues to do its part by practicing social distancing, covering your cough or sneeze, and staying home if you do not feel well.