With additional screening and safety protocols in place, Van Diest Medical Center has utilized a phased-in approach to resuming elective surgeries and procedures. Following the guidelines established by the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the criteria announced by Governor Kim Reynolds in order to proceed with elective surgical services again, the hospital is taking the utmost precaution to keep patients and staff safe.

“We want to assure our patients and communities that it is safe to seek essential healthcare services. Van Diest Medical Center is committed to providing a safe environment for patients and we have taken a thoughtful approach to enhancing safety precautions already in existence in order to offer elective surgeries, procedures and other necessary services to our communities once again,” shared Amy McDonough, Chief Nursing Officer at VDMC.

Anyone entering a Van Diest Medical Center facility is required to wear a mask and the following additional safety measures have been put in place:

• Pre-appointment phone screening is done for all patients

• Temperature and symptom screening is conducted upon entry into the hospital and clinics

• Additional screening is done prior to the surgery or procedure

• Patients scheduled for a surgery or procedure may be tested for COVID-19 before their procedure, as determined by the healthcare provider and the type of procedure being done

To protect the health of the community and the care teams during the coronavirus pandemic, Van Diest Medical Center will continue with strict visitor restrictions with exemptions made on a case-by-case basis involving children and end-of-life care. Hospital officials will continue to evaluate visitor policies until additional guidance from IDPH and the CDC is offered.

In addition to resuming elective surgeries and procedures, other ancillary and specialty services offered at Van Diest Medical Center are resuming during the month of June. The public is directed to access the hospital website at www.vandiestmc.org for the specialty services schedule.

Van Diest Family Health Clinics in Jewell and Stratford are also resuming normal business hours effective June 1.