Vista Health System Resumes Services Previously Restricted due to COVID-19
Efforts are part of Illinois’ Reopening Plan
Vista Health System has resumed services that were previously restricted due to the coronavirus outbreak. A phased reactivation began May 11 in accordance with Illinois Department of Health guidelines.
“Like so many hospitals across the country, we have concentrated our services on the pandemic while managing the financial pressures associated with pausing elective procedures,” said Norman Stephens, Vista Health System CEO. “While our facility has been keenly focused on addressing the surge in our region, we are finally seeing past the peak of the outbreak and look forward to once again providing a full range of essential services.”
To meet state guidelines and requirements on personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, infection control, and support services, patients must pass screening requirements prior to and at the time of seeking care.
“The hospital has always had stringent infection control protocols in place and we’ve enhanced those precautions in light of COVID‐19,” said Marcie Crawford, Vista Health System Chief Nursing Officer. “It’s important that we get back to taking care of community members who are waiting to take care of sometimes painful conditions. We have precautions in place to safely welcome patients for those postponed surgeries and procedures.”
“And while we cautiously look ahead to the next few weeks and months, Lake County community members are encouraged to continue seeking health care, especially when a medical emergency arises,” said Stephens. “In a concerning trend, 29% of adults who responded to a recent American College of Emergency Physicians poll said they had avoided medical care because they were concerned about contracting COVID‐19.”
Vista Health System remains committed to protecting the safety of patients, employees and providers. Staff wear personal protective equipment at all times and are temperature screened prior to entering the facility and interacting with patients.
Positive patients or those displaying symptoms of COVID‐19 and awaiting test results are isolated in separate care areas from non‐Covid‐19 positive patients. Individuals who think they may have COVID‐19 or have been exposed are still encouraged to contact their health care provider before coming to the hospital.
“We understand how a global pandemic of this nature raises concerns and fear in people,” said Crawford. “We want our community to be assured we continue to be vigilant in our implementation of infection prevention protocols and are here to care for you in a safe environment. Please do not hesitate to seek care.”