Clinton, Iowa – MercyOne locations continue to be critically impacted by increased patient volumes. We recognize support from a family member or friend contributes to patient experience, safety and healing. We desire to balance these important elements with the need to protect patients and colleagues from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. Due to the current COVID-19 surge, MercyOne Clinton Medical Center is reminding the community of our visitor policy: Patients are allowed up to one visitor at a time. All visitors are required to:
- Be at least 18 years of age, with the exception of extenuating circumstances, such as end of life.
- Be free of signs of illness and will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Adhere to COVID precautionary guidelines including hand hygiene and mandatory masking at all times. Additional PPE may be supplied to support persons as necessary.
- Stay in their respective patient’s room, as appropriate, and only be outside of this area during entrance, exit, or if food is obtained from the cafeteria or vending. The visitor’s mask should always remain on while in the patient’s room. During some procedures, support persons may be asked to leave.
- Not be present during any intermittent or continuous aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) during the visitation.
If a patient already has a visitor in their room, we are asking that the next visitor wait in their vehicle until the patient is available, or return at a later time. We are unable to accommodate visitors in the front lobby waiting area; this area is currently designated as a patient waiting area.
Minimizing the spread of illness is crucial. MercyOne is enforcing these visitor restrictions to help ensure the safety of patients, visitors and colleagues. We appreciate your support and cooperation. Please follow safe health practices to relieve stress on you and your health care system.
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MercyOne urging at-home testing resources to avoid busy care sites
MercyOne locations continue to be critically impacted by increased patient volumes. To avoid long wait times and additional patients visiting our busy sites, MercyOne is urging people with COVID-19 symptoms to contact your provider office to assess any active symptoms over the phone or determine if a telehealth appointment is available for you.
- If you have been exposed and are not experiencing symptoms, start with an at-home test from your local pharmacy or a FREE Test Iowa kit. A limited supply of Test Iowa kits are available at the MercyOne Clinton Medical Center switchboard.
- Before going to an urgent care or emergency department for COVID-related visits, contact your family doctor’s office. If you are experiencing only mild symptoms, please do not visit the emergency department to be tested.
- You can find Clinton County’s most current list of COVID-19 testing locations on the Clinton County Health Department website.
Minimizing the spread of illness is crucial. Please follow safe health practices to relieve stress on you and your health care system.
- Wear a mask, even if you are vaccinated. Continue frequent handwashing and avoid large gatherings.
- Make sure you’re up to date on all your vaccinations, including your booster if eligible. Flu shots can be received at the same time as a primary COVID shot or booster.
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please follow guidelines of isolation for five days or until you are feeling better.
For more COVID-19 information, visit MercyOne.org.
About MercyOne
MercyOne is a connected system of health care facilities and services dedicated to helping people and communities live their best life. MercyOne’s care providers and staff make health the highest priority. The system’s clinics, medical centers, hospitals and affiliates are located throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Headquartered in central Iowa, MercyOne was founded in 1998 through a collaboration between CommonSpirit Health and Trinity Health – two of the country’s foremost, not-for-profit Catholic health organizations.
