NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (GPH)-Great Plains Health is taking precautionary measures as a plan for a potential surge of COVID-19 patients.
“Right now, we have what we need to take care of patients coming to our facility for care,” said Mel McNea, chief executive officer. “However, we want to help ensure that this is the case going forward. While we can’t predict how North Platte will be impacted by COVID-19, we can be smart about our planning right now and prepare for any situation.”
Great Plains Health is asking individuals in the agricultural and construction industries with an excess supply of unsoiled industrial masks, N95 masks or goggles to consider donating them for medical needs. Great Plains Health has established a drop-off station located at the main entrance, 601 W. Leota, North Platte, Neb.
In our ongoing efforts to protect our patients, staff and the public, Great Plains Health released today that they are restricting all visitors inside the facility except under exceptional circumstances. Deference will be given to symptom-free visitors that are visiting patients in the labor and delivery or emergency departments, experiencing end-of-life or in intensive care. Whenever possible, the hospital asks that patients come to the hospital or clinics alone.
Great Plains Health has also closed the following services: valet, gift shop, coffee shop and cafeteria.
“We want to thank the community for continuing to follow the CDC’s distancing recommendations,” said McNea. “We also want to ensure the public that we are taking all necessary precautions to keep our patients and health care workers safe.”