Alomere Health Is Here for Safety
May 12, 2020
Protecting our community is our top priority.
Alomere Health is working with Minnesota’s Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take the lead in fighting COVID-19 here at home. The safety of our patients, providers, staff, and community is our top priority. That is why we have rigorously instituted the following protocols to protect everyone’s health and safety:
1. All patients and employees are screened. No exceptions.
Before entering any Alomere Health facility, everyone is asked about travel and their contact with others. Also, we check each person’s body temperature, and they are given a mask to wear at all times.
2. We sanitize daily.
Our environmental services team is dedicated to sanitizing hard surfaces and linens continuously. Also, hand sanitizer is available at entrances, and throughout the facility, with reminders to cleanse your hands frequently.
3. We require 100% masking.
Research data proves that when sick and healthy people are both wearing a mask (of any fabric), the risk of infection is extremely low. That is why mask use is 100% required for everyone in our hospital and clinics.
4. We use personal protection equipment (PPE).
Each time a healthcare professional cares for a patient, they will be wearing CDC-approved protection, which may include face masks, as well as foot and gown protection. These PPE items are then discarded or laundered after each patient visit.
5. We practice social distancing.
Whenever practical, we remind everyone to keep a healthy 6-feet distance from each other.
6. We opened a respiratory clinic away from other patients.
As an emergency response, we have temporarily converted our Alomere Health Plaza into a respiratory clinic—completely separated from our hospital and other clinic locations. This clinic is solely dedicated to serving patients who have upper respiratory symptoms. Patients will need to register by phone and not the front desk. A healthcare professional will then meet patients at the front door and escort them to an examination room. Respiratory Clinic hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm and Saturday-Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm. There are no walk-in appointments at the Respiratory Clinic.
7. Call prior to coming in. No clinic walk-ins.
As an added precaution, we now require all patients to schedule an appointment before coming in to any of our locations. This ensures any patients showing signs of respiratory symptoms will be directed to our Respiratory Clinic for the best possible care and to keep all other patients safe.
8. We now offer secure Video Visits.
Alomere Health now offers the capability to meet with your provider in real-time using video communications technology on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. This is a convenient alternative for when an in-person visit isn’t practical. Talk to your provider to find out if this type of visit is appropriate for you.
Community health is a team effort.
Alomere Health is dedicated to helping our community stay safe and healthy, and you can help us protect everyone by practicing safety protocols like social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand sanitization. Remember to check in with your primary care provider regularly to support your healthy habits and keep regular appointments. Your trusted health care providers are still here, ready to serve you with your whole health as their number one priority.
