Local healthcare facilities are phasing in select services that have been suspended and Dr. Douglas McLaws at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) says they had been preparing for COVID-19 prior to the recent surge in our area.
McLaws says even as they begin to reintroduce elective procedures, there are still protocols in place for those coming into the facility.
MRHC is following the guidelines for reintroduction of services as presented by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Dr. McLaws says they began this week with elective, outpatient services that are a little more pressing. These are being done to keep the overall health of patients from being compromised. Screening-types of procedures are not being brought back as of yet, but will be phased in. When a patient is scheduled for a procedure, they will have their physical, receive a COVID-19 test 42 to 72 hours prior and then remain at home as much as possible, isolating themselves from the public. They are also bringing back specialty providers, with general surgery and urology on campus this week. Podiatry and some other specialists will be back next week, cardiology in about two weeks, but orthopedics will phase in at a later date. McLaws says the Manning Recovery Center was also impacted by the pandemic.
An award-winning support program for the most at risk residents of the area, Senior Life Solutions, had to shut down their group sessions when the pandemic hit. However, McLaws says they did not stop serving their clientele.
There are some special guidelines to be used if someone feels they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. MRHC has a designated respiratory clinic. Patients are to call the hospital and they will be met at the emergency entrance and guided to this clinic area. As businesses reopen and people begin moving about more, stress levels, which may already be high, can elevate.
McLaws says people need to ensure that they are tending to both their physical and mental needs during this difficult time. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the hospital and clinic at 712-655-2072. A link to the full interview with Dr. McLaws can be found below.
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Full interview with Dr. Douglas Mclaws: https://www.1380kcim.com/episode/kcim-interview-dr-doug-mclaws-of-the-manning-regional-healthcare-center/
