PRESS RELEASE: MARCH 16TH

effective today, Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care has taken steps to implement an Emergency Management Plan across all of its operations, including Lockwood and McLaughlin Hospice Houses in Marshall, and Fieldcrest Assisted Living in Cottonwood.

According to Pat Mellenthin, CEO “we are taking the steps we need to take to help ensure the safety and well-being of those we serve. Last week we began restricting visits at all of our facilities to immediate family members. This week, we are taking additional precautions, as outlined below. It is our hope that when the threat of coronavirus passes, we will all be able to look back and say we over prepared and were overly cautious, but everyone came through it unharmed. We don’t want to look back and have to say we were not prepared or cautious enough. ”

The following outlines measures that are being implemented effective March 16, 2020 until further notice:

  • The Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care office in Marshall is closed. However, staff will be available during business hours Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to take calls. You can reach them at (507)337-0080.
  • Our on-call nurses will be available 24/7, as always. They can be reached by calling (507)337-0080.
  • All of our facilities, including Lockwood and McLaughlin Hospice Houses and Fieldcrest Assisted Living, will be on lockdown beginning at 7 p.m. today. Doors will remain locked 24/7 and access will be restricted to a designated family member or representative or a designated alternate.
  • All residents, family designees and personnel will be monitored as they enter the buildings. Those who have a temperature, show signs of a respiratory illness or have knowingly been exposed to the corona virus will be denied access to the building until it has been determined that they no longer pose a threat.
  • Designated visitors may be issued masks to use while visiting.
  • Infection control efforts in each of the facilities will be enhanced.
    • Hand sanitizer will be available at each entrance and throughout the buildings.
    • All door handles, railings, and other surfaces will be sanitized during each shift (3 shifts per day).
    • Staff will take extraordinary measures to practice infection control at every step.
  • Social Distancing practices are being encouraged where practical among our residents, patients, family members and staff.

Like many health care providers, while we have a supply of masks, we are having a difficult time securing additional masks that may be needed in the event this emergency is prolonged. If you have masks that you would be willing to donate, please contact us.

As long as the state and federal officials maintain a state of emergency, Prairie Home Hospice & Community Care will take necessary measures to protect those we serve and the greater community. If you have questions, please contact us.

 

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