News

2021 Health Services Education Scholarship Application Now Available

Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is excited to share the 2021 Health Services Education scholarship opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in a healthcare related field is now open for applications.

Davis County Hospital & Clinics will be awarding at least two $500 scholarships to two or more applicants in 2021.  The applicants are preferred to reside in Davis County but those living outside of Davis County will be considered as well. This scholarship is designed to assist individuals pursuing a career in a healthcare related field, which could include Nursing, Radiology, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Pharmacy, Medicine, Health Information Management etc.

A broad-based criterion is used in the selection process. The principle criterion is a demonstrated commitment to post-secondary education in a healthcare related field. An applicants’ academic record, communication skills, community involvement, and instructor recommendations are also considered.

The scholarship fund is made possible with funding provided by the Davis County Hospital Foundation and Davis County Hospital & Clinics Board of Trustees.

Anyone who feels they meet the criteria for eligibility are encouraged to apply. A copy of the application may be obtained from the Davis County Hospital & Clinics Human Resources Department or online at DCHC Health Services Education Scholarship – Davis County Hospital & Clinics.  Applications must be received or postmarked no later than March 31^st, 2021 for the application and supporting materials to be considered by the committee. From all scholarships received, the scholarship committee will select the number of scholarships given. Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply each year.

Questions about the scholarship opportunity should be directed to the Davis County Hospital & Clinics Human Resource department at 641-664-2145.

If an individual is selected, they will be notified by DCHC Human Resources and arrangements can be made for the scholarship to be awarded. A list of scholarship recipients can be found on the DCHC website after June 1^st.

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DCHC Relaxes Visitor Restrictions

In recognition that patient 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.

Key Considerations:

• All visitors to the facility must continue to follow screening procedures; anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat) should not be permitted to enter any facility at any time.
• The visitor may not be present during any intermittent or continuous aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) during the visitation
• Visitors only allowed in the patient room or other area in which the patient they are visiting is located; no use of waiting rooms or the cafeteria

Visitors should be reminded, while visiting:

• Perform Frequent Hand Hygiene; wash their hands with soap and water
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when washing their hands is not an option
• Use a tissue to cover any coughs and sneezes; perform hand hygiene immediately afterward
• Wear a mask upon entry into the facility and throughout the visit. Visitors who fail to agree to wear a mask will be asked to leave.
• The hospital will determine visiting hours; A facility may suspend visitation at any time as warranted (medical necessity; PPE availability, etc.) The clinical team should make every effort to communicate with both patient and family if unexpected changes occur.

Visitation to COVID-19 positive or PUI patients is prohibited unless permitted by state/local law or if the patient meets compassionate care exception criteria:

• • Children (minor) admitted to the hospital
  • Patients receiving end-of-life (EOL) care
  • Developmentally/Cognitively Impaired adults or those who require access to a support person or family member in order to appropriately access and understand the services to be provided to them while in our care
• The visitor to PUI or those with COVID-19 must be in a single patient room or be the only patient in a multi-occupancy room.
• The visitor to PUI, confirmed COVID-19, or other patient in isolation precautions, will be encouraged to use hand hygiene just after entering the room and upon exit and should don appropriate PPE

 

ADULT PATIENTS

Emergency Care Patients

• One visitor is allowed with the patient.

Hospital Inpatients

• Two visitors are allowed during the hospitalization with only one visitor allowed per day.

Outpatient Clinic and Testing Patients

• One visitor is allowed with the patient.

Surgery and Procedure Patients

• One visitor is allowed with the patient.

 

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS (age 18 and under)

Hospital Inpatients

• Two visitors are allowed per patient per hospital stay.

Surgery and Procedure Patients

• Two visitors are allowed per patient.

Outpatient Clinic and Testing Patients

• Two visitors are allowed with the patient.

DCHC Increases Visitor Restrictions

Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC), in partnership with the CDC and local public health organizations, want to provide the safest possible environment for our patients, families, community and colleagues. Based on the latest information and surge in COVID-19 cases, one important way to enhance health and safety is to reduce exposure to potential disease carriers. The fewer people whom our patients come in contact with, the less likely they will be to contract COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.

Effective November 17^th, DCHC is increasing visitor restrictions. For the immediate future, no visitors will be allowed in our facility.

Some visitor exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances, including:

• Children under the age of 18
• Outpatients requiring a caregiver due to physical or functional deficit
• Inpatients receiving end-of-life care

For approved exceptions, only one visitor will be allowed. Visitors must:

• Must pass screening guidelines at designated entrances.
• Are required to wear a facemask while in the building, regardless of symptoms.
• Must be 16 years of age or older. Exceptions may be permitted in case of a patient imminently dying.

As a reminder, we encourage the community to follow the best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of all viruses:

• Staying home if you are sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Disinfecting surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

At DCHC, we are following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Iowa Public Health Department to screen patients for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs.

For individuals who have symptoms of illness, particularly with fever and cough or shortness of breath, your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. If you think you need healthcare, call first.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

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Davis County Medical Associates Clinic Launches Personalized Care Program

Davis County Medical Associates is excited to share a new program available to our patients to help manage their chronic illnesses– a Personalized Care Program!

The Personalized Care Program was created to help people living with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Keeping track of all the visits, tests and medications for these conditions can be hard.

“The Personalized Care Program provides support and care between doctor visits to eligible patients who have multiple chronic illnesses,” stated Carleena Brown, Director of Rural Health Clinic Operations. “Services include access to a care team who can answer your healthcare questions and help you get the information, appointments, treatments, and care you need to live a healthier life.”

When you sign up to participate in the Personalized Care Program, you will be taking an important step toward living a healthier life. Benefits of the program include:

• A dedicated care team that will coordinate all of your health care, including at another doctor’s office, at the pharmacy, in your home, or from a community service organization
• A personalized care plan that includes steps you can take to help you reach the goals you and your doctor have set
• Updates and communication with your doctors so they have the most accurate and complete information about your health
• Help managing your medications, securing appointments, and addressing preventive care needs
• Help following through on doctor’s instructions, including locating and following up with specialists and lab facilities
• Greater access to services and support that may help you avoid medical problems, expensive emergency department visits, and hospital stays

A chronic illness is a long-lasting health problem that can often be controlled with proper treatment and management. A few examples include asthma, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and heart disease.

“Once a patient chooses to enroll in the program, they will get a customized care plan sent to them via mail or email,” said Brown. “Then registered nurses make check-in calls once or twice monthly to provide support, answer questions and see how they’re doing. The goal is to be there for our patients and provide as much support as possible to achieve and maintain wellness.”

If you are interested in participating in the program, please speak with your Davis County Medical Associates provider or call 641-954-4560.

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DCHC Increases Visitor Restrictions

May 6, 2020 – Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC), in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and local public health organizations, want to provide the safest possible environment for our patients, families, community and colleagues. Based on the latest information, one important way to enhance health and safety is to reduce exposure to potential disease carriers. The fewer people whom our patients come in contact with, the less likely they will be to contract COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.

Effective May 7th, DCHC is increasing visitor restrictions. For the immediate future, no visitors will be allowed in our facility.

Some visitor exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances, including:

• Children admitted to the hospital
• Patients receiving end-of-life care

For approved exceptions, only one visitor per patient will be allowed. They must be:

• 18 years of age or older
• Either immediate family members, powers of attorney, guardians or patient representatives
• Healthy with no symptoms of illness, including respiratory or fever

As a reminder, we encourage the community to follow the best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of all viruses:

• Staying home if you are sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Disinfecting surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

At DCHC, we are following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Iowa Public Health Department to screen patients for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs..

For individuals who have symptoms of illness, particularly with fever and cough or shortness of breath, your provider can assess whether you need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. If you think you need healthcare, call first.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

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First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Davis County

April 29, 2020 –

Davis County Public Health and ADLM Counties Emergency Management has learned that a local community member has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 While this is the first case in Davis County, it may not be the last. We encourage all residents to continue to make prevention a priority.  These actions include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.
• Staying home when ill.
• Avoid nonessential travel and social distance.

For individuals who have symptoms of illness, particularly with fever and cough or shortness of  breath, your provider can assess whether you  need to be seen in the office or if you can recover at home. If  you think you  need healthcare, call first. Approximately 80% of Iowans infected with COVID-19 will experience only a mild to moderate illness. Most mildly ill Iowans do not need to go to their healthcare provider or be tested to confirm they have COVID-19. Sick Iowans must stay home and isolate themselves from others in their house.

Stay home and isolate from others in the house until:

• You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
• AND other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
• AND at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

We recognize that this is a very uncertain time for everyone. We encourage residents to follow recommendations from Iowa Department of Public Health, Governor Reynolds and local healthcare agencies. Davis County (ADLM) Emergency Management, Davis County Department of Public Health and local healthcare partners will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.

Iowans with general questions about COVID-19. For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit Emerging Health Issues – Novel Coronavirus (iowa.gov) and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth. For local information follow us on Facebook at Davis County Hospital & Clinics and ADLM Counties Emergency Management.

DCHC Accepting Hand Sewn Masks

Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

DCHC is now accepting donations of hand sewn face masks.

DCHC is graciously accepting donations of hand sewn face masks. In order to make the masks as effective as possible, please consider following this guidance on making homemade masks for healthcare workers; no specific fabric color or pattern is necessary.

Drop-Off Instructions

Please drop off masks at the DCHC Outpatient/Clinic (B3) Entrance during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5). You may press the ‘Assistance’ button located on the island and someone will be out shortly to retrieve the masks from you. Otherwise, you may drop the box of donated masks off with our staff member located just inside the door.

If you are able to donate factory-made personal protective equipment (N95 masks, gowns or face shields), please contact Davis County Public Health at 641-664-3629 to coordinate delivering your donation.

Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness of our staff during this time.

If you have general questions on COVID-19, please dial 2-1-1. If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in.

IDPH posts statewide numbers of persons being monitored, persons being tested and test results on the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus. Visit this web page often for up-to-date information and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

DCHC COVID-19 Precautions | Temporary Hours Change

April 6, 2020 – To continue to protect the health and well-being of our patients, their families and the communities we serve, further precautions have been put in place. Effective Tuesday April 7th, 2020, DCHC will be implementing a temporary change in hours for the following departments:

Medical Associates Clinic
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Laboratory
Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm

We encourage patients to call with any questions, and to ask about our new Virtual Visits option for your medical care needs.

If you have general questions on COVID-19, please dial 2-1-1. If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in.

IDPH posts statewide numbers of persons being monitored, persons being tested and test results on the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus. Visit this web page often for up-to-date information and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.