COVID-19 Update for Hospital and Clinic (4-3-2020)

Public Service Announcement on COVID-19

April 3, 2020

Harlan County Health System has been implementing the necessary precautions in order to keep our patients and staff safe during these uncertain times. As of right now, HCHS continues to not allow outside visitors or family into our hospital or clinic locations until further notice. Patients under 18 are required to be accompanied by 1 adult. Some visitor accommodations may be made for ER and end of life patients. We are still stopping everyone at our main entrances and screening them. Our clinic locations are open during their normal business hours. As always, our Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day. People who are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms, are encouraged to first call Two Rivers Public Health Department at 888-669-7154. Any questions about routine tests and procedures, please call your primary care provider.

Our clinic is routinely cleaned every day and we have now since designated set hours from 9 AM – Noon for routine, NON-COVID-19 patients. However, if patients do not feel comfortable visiting our facility, we are now offering to patients the option to set up a house call visit, where your provider will come directly to your home. Telehealth appointments can also be set up over the phone. If you choose to still come into the clinic, we ask that you please call ahead at 308-928-2103 to better prepare our staff for your arrival. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call Two Rivers Public Health Department at 888-669-7154 before visiting our facilities. They will assess your condition and determine whether you need to be seen by a provider.

Our outpatient clinic will be reopening to patients as well. We can ensure you that we are following the CDC regulations and will continue to take any precautions in order to keep you safe. The ONLY entrance that will be used for our outpatient clinic will be the back door on the west side of the hospital, located underneath the awning. Parking spots on the west side of the hospital will be reserved for these patients. If you still do not feel comfortable coming in for an appointment, we would be more than happy to help reschedule and/or place you on a call back list once this situation diminishes.

We would also like our patients to know that the draw room in our laboratory is cleaned after each patient and we are taking every precaution possible to keep this area safe. However, if you do not feel safe getting out and coming to our facility, we are more than willing to schedule a time that we could come to your home to collect any lab samples that are needed. To schedule an appointment, call the hospital at 308-928-2151 and ask for the Lab Department and we will get you set up.

Patients who are due for their annual screening mammogram, should still be receiving their reminder letters from our facility. Patients are encouraged to call the Radiology Department at 308-928-3008, to discuss appointment times, options, and address any questions/concerns. Patients are encouraged to practice self-breast exams and to contact their medical provider with their breast health questions. Many new options are available at this time to meet your healthcare needs and concerns.

While visiting our facilities, we ask that you comply with the 6 feet rule. Continue to thoroughly wash your hands and avoid making any nonessential trips. Together our staff will do our best to ensure that your health needs and safety are met. We appreciate your cooperation during this difficult time and we would like to thank you for continuing to choose us for your healthcare needs.

We ask that you continue to watch our Facebook Page for any and all updates on the current situation. The CDC and Two Rivers Public Health Department websites are also great resources to stay up-to-date.