East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

Garfield County Hospital District wanted to update you regarding our visitation requirements. As we work closely with the local Public Health Department, we are able to make decisions based on our community's needs.

We are happy to announce we are open for visitors! Guests who arrive between 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the front door, commonly known as the Memory Manor entrance, will be asked the usual screening questions for symptoms as well as have their temperature taken prior to entering the hospital. If a visitor is positive for any symptoms, they will be required to have a rapid COVID test performed and wait 15 minutes outside the facility for the results. Once the screening process has been completed, a sticker will be worn while in the facility, and visitors will also be asked to perform hand hygiene by either using hand sanitizer or washing their hands in the nearby restroom. A mask will be given to wear for the duration of the visit, even if the visitor has been fully vaccinated.

Visitors may spend time in the common areas, such as the Day Room, in the Activity Courtyard, and, of course, the patient's room. If you would like to take your loved one out of the facility for a visit, please call and we will work with you on an individual basis to make this happen while keeping them safe. We highly encourage you not to go to overly-crowded events or areas, to wear a mask if within six feet of people for longer than 15 minutes, and to follow a good handwashing regimen.

Our new Activities Coordinator, Samantha McGatha, is doing a fantastic job and has many activities planned for the patients in the upcoming months. The Mother's Day Tea was a big hit and the patients thoroughly enjoyed the special dinner and beautiful flower centerpieces that ordained each table. These gorgeous arrangements were made by Linda Lundquist and graciously donated by HUGS auxiliary group, which is an annual event. We are so grateful to all of them and are blessed to have such caring individuals who take the time to give of their talents, time, and donations. For a fun spring/summer project, the patients will be selling plants that they have gathered from starts or started from seed to the hospital staff and community. The proceeds will go to the patient's Resident Council Fund to pay for future outings and special events. Anyone that would like to donate to this fund is welcome to contact Cindy Wolf or Jenness Evanson.

Governor Inslee recently announced that by June 30, 2021, Washington State will be completely opened. He also stated that our state will follow the CDC's recommendations on masking. This includes wearing masks in healthcare facilities regardless of your vaccination status.

Our goal is to keep our patients and staff safe and continue to move forward into a normal atmosphere while maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Your continued support and patience is appreciated. The best is yet to come!