COVID-19 Information

According to a joint statement released from the CDC and FDA, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen ) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. The CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women between 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination. Treatment of this specific type of blood clot is different from the treatment that might typically be administered. Usually, an anticoagulant drug called heparin is used to treat blood clots. In this setting, administration of heparin may be dangerous, and alternative treatments need to be given.

To review these cases' potential significance, the CDC is convening an Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) today, Wednesday, April 14th. The FDA will also investigate the cases and provide an analysis. Out of an abundance of caution, while these processes are occurring, the FDA and CDC recommend a pause on the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

At MHCC, we will still conduct our vaccine clinics during this time but will only administer the Moderna vaccine to those 18 and over. We are also creating a list of 16- and 17-year-old patients who wish to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Both of which are still approved under their Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA.

It is essential to realize that these adverse events appear to be extremely rare, and the response of the CDC and FDA is because vaccine safety is a top priority.

If you or someone you know received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine greater than a month ago, the risk is very low. Further, we report any adverse reactions to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, and so far we have not needed medical interventions at MHCC.

If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last two weeks. Please monitor for these symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur:

• Severe heart arrhythmia
• Abdominal pain
• Leg pain
• Shortness of breath

More information from both agencies is planned for release later today at a media briefing. We will follow the recommendations set in place by the CDC and the Wyoming Department of Health policies. If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccines in our area, please do not hesitate to contact us at 307-358-2122.

There is a sense of urgency coupled with gratitude for those 1,808 patients who have received the initial COVID-19 vaccine in the last eight weeks. There is an understandable worry once that initial dose is given about reports of vaccine shortages. There is also a concern that boosters won't be administered soon enough to remain effective due to lack of supply.

"A lot of people are under the impression they have to have the vaccine at exactly twenty-eight days, or it's no good," said Giselle Grimes, RN, Memorial Hospital of Converse County's Infectious Disease Specialist. And to be fair, that's what many news, healthcare organizations, and public health officials have communicated since the roll-out of the Moderna vaccine from the FDA. But like all things COVID-19, be prepared for a certain amount of flexibility as we discuss the subject of vaccine booster guidelines.

According to the CDC website on COVID-19 vaccine administration, "Persons should not be scheduled to receive the second dose earlier than recommended." The site then goes on to state that "second doses administered within a grace period of 4 days earlier than the recommended date for the second dose are still considered valid." The CDC also advises that the second dose should be administered as close to that twenty-eight-day interval as possible, implying a certain level of flexibility as MHCC calls to schedule those booster doses. The second injection doesn’t have to be exactly twenty-eight days later and the time of the second dose can be extended nearly double that amount of days.

This flexibility on the window of time is allowable because of how the shot works. The 1st shot stimulates your immunity to know and create protections. The 2nd injection then reminds B and T cells of the immune system that the threat cannot be taken lightly and to attack the virus quickly.

The main thing to realize however is, "the second dose will still be effective if it is administered outside of that twenty-eight-day window," continued Grimes. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines "can be given up to six weeks (forty-two days) after the first dose. There is no need to start the cycle over if that vaccine is not given at day twenty-eight exactly. The second dose will still achieve ninety-five percent efficacy if given up to forty-two days after the first dose” she concluded.

A significant hindrance to administering the second round is the limited availability of the COVID-19 vaccines. “Like so many hospitals and healthcare organizations in the state and nation, we are reliant on shipments of vaccines which can come in at different intervals around a patient’s twenty-eight day window,” said Chief Nursing Officer Cristy Dicklich-Cobb. "We are constantly improving our processes and working diligently to get those all-important boosters into arms as close to the twenty-eight-day window as possible.”

Darcey Cowardin, County Nurse Manager with the Converse County Public Health, shares similar sentiments on the twenty-eight day window. “While getting your second dose at twenty-eight days is the target, sometimes due to scheduling it may not be possible,” she said in a written statement. “As mentioned before, the vaccine is still effective and doses don’t need to be repeated if you can’t get your second dose right at twenty-eight days.”

Noting the concern of patients’ worries of supply shortages for boosters she continued, “the Wyoming Department of Health holds back 2nd doses from the original inventory and sends a matching quantity three weeks later. Rest assured, Converse County is receiving 2nd doses and working hard to get them out there as close to the twenty-eight day mark as possible.”

The person handling the calling and scheduling is "the voice of Memorial Hospital of Converse County," herself Amy Cullen. "We are doing our best to call promptly to notify patients when we are low and waiting for a fresh shipment of the vaccine," she shared in a written statement. "We are now letting patients know upfront the possibility of being rescheduled based on varying shipment sizes. We are doing our very best to keep patients’ appointments in order of receiving their calls.”

Understandably, many patients are concerned when informed there will be a delay in receiving their second dose. “Lots of patients have heard that it has to be 'exactly twenty-eight days,' and many are feeling the need to quarantine themselves until they've had the second dose," Cullen continued. "which is understandably frustrating when appointments get pushed back. But so far, it's been an average of one week, sometimes more, based on other factors like travel or illness.”

Cullen has worked to reassure patients in the last weeks that the dates on their cards are not an appointment but represent the "soonest possible date" for their second dose. "We take this seriously and are not wanting to jeopardize our patients' health in any way. It's our privilege to serve our community. We appreciate all the kindness, understanding, and flexibility they have shared with us as we all navigate these 'new waters' together.”

If patients have concerns about getting their second dose or need to ask questions about the COVID-19 vaccines they are encouraged to call the MHCC COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at: 307-359-5371. Patients are encouraged to call to check-in to get their name on the schedule, and those that do usually fare better than waiting for a call.

“A kind word does go a long way. It may take some time, but we will get this done,” Cullen concluded.

To find information on the administration of the COVID-19 Vaccines via the CDC website, click here.

MHCC Launches Vaccine Clinic and Hotline

Memorial Hospital of Converse County (MHCC) is continuing to provide vaccines according to the Wyoming Department of Health's tiers. After the initial vaccination of individuals who met the criteria of Tier 1a (including healthcare personnel and staff), the next Tier, 1b, includes the following individuals:

MHCC is currently operating a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for those members of our community who want to receive the vaccine and are members of the above Tier 1b. Located on the hospital's fourth floor, the new clinic is open Monday through Friday from 1-3 pm. Staffed by three registered nurses on our MHCC staff, the COVID-19 vaccine at our clinic is provided at no cost.

Individuals who wish to receive the vaccine can walk-in during the clinic’s operating hours or make an appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 307-359-5371. When receiving the vaccine, patients will need to plan on remaining at the clinic for ten minutes for post-vaccine monitoring and plan on returning for their booster approximately 28 days after the initial dose. Currently, the FDA does not recommend mixing doses between the two approved vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, and recipients of the vaccine in Converse County will receive the Moderna dose.

For those who are not yet able to receive the vaccine, the Converse County Public Health Department (CCPH) is maintaining a contact list of those who want to receive the vaccine in the future. To be put on this list, please call 307-358-2536. There are plans for drive-thru clinics specific to those who have signed up to receive the vaccine when their appropriate Tier becomes available. CCPH will utilize the City of Douglas's Code Red system to notify these individuals when and where they should go for their vaccines when available.

The COVID-19 Vaccines were approved in December of 2020 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA). The process for approvals on both of these vaccines was able to be expedited due to the very nature of the vaccine's mRNA technology. Since a version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus does not need to be introduced to the immune system, the approvals process could more easily be expedited. Further, the technology behind the mRNA has been in development since the late sixties, so it is not entirely new and was able to move through the approvals process due to its history of research and development and the emergent need due to the pandemic.

For further information on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and these vaccines, please go to our COVID-19 information page at conversehospital.com/covid19.

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• A COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is now operating on MHCC’s 4th Floor
• A COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline has been established, 307-359-5371
• Patients are asked to monitor for additional symptoms of COVID-19
• Visitors to the hospital must wear masks in all locations and at all times
• The Ambassador Program and Care Ride are suspended for the foreseeable future.
• Visitations policies to the hospital have changed, effective immediately
• The Respiratory Illness Clinic site is supported by Medical Office Building and Emergency Department staff.
• All MHCC Clinics and Services are open and supporting in-person appointments.
• Telehealth visits are offered for patients.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers. The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Patients Asked To Monitor For Additional Symptoms - COVID-19

We have updated the list of symptoms those in the community should monitor for when screening for COVID-19. Previously the list of major symptoms to screen for included dry cough, shortness of breath and a fever of over 100.4. Given the variance in symptoms presenting in COVID-19 patients, we are asking members of our community to monitor for the following:

Fever (over 100.4), Chills, Cough, Congestion or Runny Nose, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Headache, Muscle and/or Body Aches, New Loss of Taste or Smell, Nausea or Vomiting, Shortness of Breath Difficulty Breathing, and Sore Throat

This list does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19 Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness. This list is also available on our COVID-19 Information page on our site: https://www.conversehospital.com/covid19/

Changes To Visitation Policies At MHCC - Effective Immediately

As of Thursday, November 5th, Memorial Hospital of Converse County has effectively implemented the following visitation policies in the departments outlined below. These policies reflect an effort to minimize the amount of traffic through various parts of the hospital due to the rise of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses in our communities and reduce the risk of exposure to our community of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. While we enjoy having community members visit our facilities, we must encourage discretion and ask that unnecessary trips to the hospital buildings are minimized. Thank you for your understanding.

All visitors to hospital buildings are required to wear a mask in all areas at all times to protect patients who may be immunocompromised. The hospital has the right to mandate mask wearing within all of our facilities or buildings pursuant to a Motion from the Commissioners of Converse County dated November 4th, 2020. All visitors will be asked to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the patient who is being visited.

Visitors are defined as and not limited to: patient advocates, parent/guardian, friend, family member, or a support person.

Emergency Department

• One visitor is allowed or at the discretion of the physician.

Med/Surg and Intensive Care Unit

• Up to one visitor per day.

Mother/Baby Unit

• One support person is allowed during the entire visit.

Ultrasound

• One support person is allowed.

PACU

• One support person is allowed with surgical patient
• Pediatric surgical patients are allowed up to two visitors

All Clinics

• Visitors will be determined at the discretion of the provider

Urgent Care

• Visitors will be determined at the discretion of the provider

Hospital Staff

• Visitors of hospital staff should meet in public areas (not in patient care areas)
• Visitors will be asked to wear a mask

COVID Patients

• Visitors for COVID-19 positive patients will be at the discretion of the provider.
• Visitors will be requested to sign a COVID-19 consent to visit.
• Visitors will be provided with and required to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Spiritual care will be allowed at the patients' request. The spiritual care person (clergy) will be requested to sign a COVID-19 consent to visit and wear a mask.

General Visitation Policies

• All visitors will be asked to wear a mask and other personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the patient who is being visited.
• No children will be allowed to visit who are under sixteen (16) years of age.
• Pediatric patients may have at most 2 parent/guardians.

Veterans Day Luncheon Cancelled

Due to the current rise in COVID-19 cases in our community, we will not be offering our free prime rib lunch for veterans on Veterans Day this year. We are filled with gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our veterans and hope that we will be able to offer this small act of that appreciation next year.

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• Patients are asked to monitor for additional symptoms of COVID-19
• Visitors to the hospital must wear masks in all locations and at all times
• The annual Veteran’s Day luncheon is cancelled
• The Ambassador Program and Care Ride are suspended for the foreseeable future.
• Visitations policies to the hospital have changed, effective immediately
• The Respiratory Illness Clinic site is supported by Medical Office Building and Emergency Department staff.
• All MHCC Clinics and Services are open and supporting in-person appointments.
• Telehealth visits are offered for patients.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers. The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Hospital Update - COVID-19 Surge and Status of Inpatient Care

Memorial Hospital of Converse County (MHCC) is entering week four of the continuous care of COVID-19 patients. The COVID-19 patient symptoms and supportive needs vary. The number of COVID-19 patients has varied from 1 to 5 patients at a time. The hospital's goal is to provide compassionate care for all our patients while protecting our providers and staff. Some changes to the visitation policy have been enacted to protect patients, staff, and visitors. Those details are listed below.

MHCC has built temporary negative air pressure inpatient rooms on the Medical/Surgical Floor of the hospital. Negative air pressure rooms draw air into the patient room and then outdoors, ensuring no room air is pushed into the adjacent hallway. At present, the hospital has nine negative air pressure rooms and can care for 17 COVID-19 patients at double-occupancy. The Mother-Baby Unit is also located on the hospital's 3rd floor and is a locked unit, separated from the Medical/Surgical patients. Outpatient surgical patients continue to be cared for in the PACU located on the hospital's second floor. Any surgical patients requiring an inpatient stay are cared for on the Medical/Surgical floor; however, surgical patients are cared for at the opposite end of the building in a separate corridor. Inpatient surgical rooms are under positive air pressure, meaning air is forced out of the room and into the hallways.

MHCC Hospitalists, Pharmacists, Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, and other staff are up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 treatment therapies. They have the necessary medications and equipment needed to support and care for patients with the COVID-19 virus. MHCC is in regular communication with CRMC, WMC, CCH, and other hospitals in the region to share resources if needed.

The hospital's volunteer-led Ambassador program and Care Ride program are suspended for the foreseeable future. MHCC is asking anyone visiting any MHCC building to wear a mask. MHCC wishes to impress upon the community that mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing are crucial behaviors to adopt and practice. Each person must do their part to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19, especially as we enter the cold and flu season. This virus is deadly, it is serious, and easily spread.

Changes To Visitation Policies At MHCC - Effective Immediately

As of Thursday, October 15th, Memorial Hospital of Converse County has effectively placed the following visitation policies to the departments outlined below. These policies reflect an effort to minimize traffic through various parts of the hospital due to the rise of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses in our communities. While we enjoy having community members visit our facilities, we must encourage discretion and ask that unnecessary trips to the hospital buildings are minimized. Thank you for your understanding.

Emergency Department

• All Patients will be asked to wear a mask
• Visitors of Emergency Department Patients will be determined on a case by case basis

3rd Floor - Inpatient Care

• Inpatients are allowed up to 2 visitors per day.
• All visitors will be asked to wear a mask.

Mother/Baby Unit

• One support person is allowed during the entire visit.
• The support person will be asked to wear a mask.

PACU

• One support person is allowed at a time with the surgical patient.
• Pediatric surgical patients are allowed up to 2 visitors.
• The support person will be asked to wear a mask.

All Clinics

• Visitors will be determined on a case by case basis.
• Visitors will be asked to wear a mask.

Urgent Care

• Visitors will be determined on a case by case basis.
• Visitors will be asked to wear a mask.

Hospital Staff

• Visitors of hospital staff should meet in public areas (not inpatient care areas).
• Visitors will be asked to wear a mask.

COVID Patients

• Visitors will be determined on a case by case basis.
• Visitors will be requested to sign a COVID-19 consent to visit.
• Visitors will be provided with and required to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

General Visitation Policies

• Spiritual care will be allowed at the patients' request. The spiritual care person (clergy) will be requested to sign a COVID-19 consent to visit and wear a mask.
• All visitors will be screened and asked to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the patient who is being visited.
• No children will be allowed to visit who are under sixteen (16) years of age.

Surgery Patient Testing - COVID-19

At present, all pre-operative patients at Memorial Hospital of Converse County are tested for COVID-19 unless they have a known positive in the prior three months. When scheduling for surgery, patients will be asked the following: "Have you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past three (3) months?" If a patient previously tested positive and is currently well and released from quarantine, the patient will not be re-tested and proceed to surgery. If the patient is sick, surgery will be rescheduled.

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• The Ambassador Program and Care Ride are suspended for the foreseeable future.
• Visitations policies to the hospital have changed, effective immediately
• The Respiratory Illness Clinic site is supported by Medical Office Building and Emergency Department staff.
• All MHCC Clinics and Services are open and supporting in-person appointments.
• Telehealth visits are offered for patients.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient's answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Changes To Visitation Policies At MHCC - Effective Immediately

Memorial Hospital of Converse County has effectively implemented the following visitation policies to the departments outlined below. These policies reflect an effort to minimize the amount of traffic through various parts of the hospital due to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses in our communities. While we enjoy having community members visit our facilities, we must encourage discretion and ask that unnecessary trips to the hospital buildings are minimized. Thank you for your understanding

Emergency Department

• All Patients will be asked to wear a mask.
• Visitors of Emergency Department patients will be determined on a case by case basis.
• Visitors will be asked to wear a mask while in the waiting room or Emergency Department.

3rd Floor - In-Patient Care

• In-patients are allowed up to 2 visitors at a time.
• Visitors will be asked to wear a mask while on the 3rd Floor.
• Exceptions can be made based on need.

Mother Baby Unit

• One support person is allowed during the entire visit.
• Visitors will be asked to wear a mask while on the Mother Baby Unit.
• Exceptions can be made based on need.

PACU

• One support person is allowed at a time with surgical patient.
• Visitors will be asked to wear a mask while in the PACU.
• Pediatric surgical patients are allowed up to 2 visitors.

Hospital Staff

• Visitors of hospital staff should meet in public areas (not in patient care areas).

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• Visitation policies to the hospital have changed, effective immediately.
• Rapid antigen testing is used via provider discretion.
• The Respiratory Illness Clinic is idle and testing for patients supported by Medical Office Building and Emergency Department staff.
• All MHCC Clinics are open and resuming in-person appointments. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building.
• Telehealth visits are now offered for patients.
• Non-emergent surgeries have resumed as determined by presiding medical staff.
• Visitors and family are not currently permitted to accompany adult patients into the Emergency Department - updates will be provided to family in a timely manner. Minor or pediatric patients are permitted one parent or guardian to remain with them in the Emergency Department, when appropriate.
• One support person is permitted - where applicable - to accompany patients to hospital based appointments such as Lab or Imaging.
• For ultrasound patients, expectant mothers are not permitted any additional guests at this time.
• Third Floor Med-Surg Unit is restricting all visitors, routine updates are provided to a designated family member by phone.
• For Labor and Delivery, mothers in active labor will be permitted one guest with them throughout labor and delivery. This guest may not leave - once they are in the hospital they must remain and cannot go back and forth.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Memorial Hospital of Converse County Suspending Rapid Testing For Asymptomatic Patients At Present Time

Effective today, Memorial Hospital of Converse County reserved rapid COVID-19 antigen testing for symptomatic and pre-operative patients. Due to a nationwide shortage of test kits from our current supplier, we must prioritize the use of our rapid test supplies for members of our community exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or those who are presenting for a surgical procedure in our facility.

Rapid antigen testing is beneficial for patients to have a result within a smaller time frame. Asymptomatic testing is often used to control the transmission of the virus. Patients who are asymptomatic may have been exposed to a known positive case or considered high risk, but are not currently showing symptoms. Those who are asymptomatic can pass COVID-19 to others.

Most suppliers of rapid testing kits are backordered, but our laboratory is working diligently to find a solution. In the interim, we will administer standard nasal or nasopharyngeal swab tests. We will send these tests to the state or other lab for processing, which can take longer. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• Rapid antigen testing is reserved for symptomatic and pre-operative patients at the present time.
• The Respiratory Illness Clinic is idle and testing for patients supported by Medical Office Building and Emergency Department staff.
• All MHCC Clinics are open and resuming in-person appointments. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building.
• Telehealth visits are now offered for patients.
• Non-emergent surgeries have resumed as determined by presiding medical staff.
• Visitors and family are not currently permitted to accompany adult patients into the Emergency Department - updates will be provided to family in a timely manner. Minor or pediatric patients are permitted one parent or guardian to remain with them in the Emergency Department, when appropriate.
• One support person is permitted - where applicable - to accompany patients to hospital based appointments such as Lab or Imaging.
• For ultrasound patients, expectant mothers are not permitted any additional guests at this time.
• Third Floor Med-Surg Unit is restricting all visitors, routine updates are provided to a designated family member by phone.
• For Labor and Delivery, mothers in active labor will be permitted one guest with them throughout labor and delivery. This guest may not leave - once they are in the hospital they must remain and cannot go back and forth.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Memorial Hospital of Converse County Moves Idles Respiratory Illness Clinic To Medical Office Building and Emergency Department

The examination and testing services provided at our Respiratory Illness Clinic will be supported at our Medical Office Building from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 8 am to 11:30 am on Saturdays. Outside of these hours, patients will be directed to our Emergency Department.

If a patient shows symptoms including: cough, fever or shortness of breath, they will be asked to return to their car. A nurse or physicians assistant will then meet them at their vehicle and ask a series of questions to help determine the level of care. If needed, the patient will be swabbed for RSV or Influenza. Pending those results the patient may be examined further and/or tested for COVID-19. These tests will be conducted on site and the results provided to patient.

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• The Respiratory Illness Clinic is idle and testing for patients supported by Medical Office Building and Emergency Department staff.
• All MHCC Clinics are open and resuming in-person appointments. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building.
• Telehealth visits are now offered for patients.
• Non-emergent surgeries are resuming as determined by presiding medical staff.
• Visitors and family are not currently permitted to accompany adult patients into the Emergency Department - updates will be provided to family in a timely manner. Minor or pediatric patients are permitted one parent or guardian to remain with them in the Emergency Department, when appropriate.
• One support person is permitted - where applicable - to accompany patients to hospital based appointments such as Lab or Imaging.
• For ultrasound patients, expectant mothers are not permitted any additional guests at this time.
• Third Floor Med-Surg Unit is restricting all visitors, routine updates are provided to a designated family member by phone.
• For Labor and Delivery, mothers in active labor will be permitted one guest with them throughout labor and delivery. This guest may not leave - once they are in the hospital they must remain and cannot go back and forth.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours. The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.
• Volunteer Services, including Care Ride, have been suspended.
• The Arbor Café is closed to the public.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Memorial Hospital of Converse County Clinics Are Open and Resuming In-Person Appointments

Memorial Hospital of Converse County clinics are safe, clean, and resuming in-person appointments effective immediately. Each of our clinic locations throughout the region (Douglas, Casper, Gillette, Glenrock, Guernsey, Sheridan, Torrington, Lusk, and Rawlins) have protocols for admitting our patients into our facilities to provide care while helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

When patients arrive for their appointment, they should be prepared for a quick screening process for symptoms including:

• Fever,
• Cough, or
• Shortness of breath

Patients will also be supplied a mask for the duration of their visit.

Telehealth Visits Offered by Memorial Hospital of Converse County

For patients who cannot come in for their appointments or who do not feel comfortable going out, Memorial Hospital of Converse County is offering a Telehealth Service. This platform assists both patient and provider in communicating during this time, and is available in video chat or audio formats. Instructions for use will be provided to patients before their scheduled appointment.

Through this service, our providers assist patients who need to discuss ongoing health concerns, new or developing symptoms, and follow up on check-ups or lab tests. Our Telehealth Service is supported by Backline - a medical telecommunications platform. The application is simple to use, secure, and HIPAA Compliant. Telehealth visits will be billed to insurance, where applicable.

To access this service, patients should contact their provider for further details.

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• All MHCC Clinics are open and resuming in-person appointments. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building.
• Telehealth visits are being offered for patients.
• Non-emergent surgeries are resuming as determined by presiding medical staff.
• Memorial Hospital of Converse County has put further visitation restrictions in place at our facilities.
• Visitors and family are not currently permitted to accompany adult patients into the Emergency Department - updates will be provided to family in a timely manner. Minor or pediatric patients are permitted one parent or guardian to remain with them in the Emergency Department, when appropriate.
• One support person is permitted - where applicable - to accompany patients to hospital based appointments such as Lab or Imaging.
• For ultrasound patients, expectant mothers are not permitted any additional guests at this time.
• Third Floor Med-Surg Unit is restricting all visitors, routine updates are provided to a designated family member by phone.
• For Labor and Delivery, mothers in active labor will be permitted one guest with them throughout labor and delivery. This guest may not leave - once they are in the hospital they must remain and cannot go back and forth.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.
• Volunteer Services, including Care Ride, have been suspended.
• The Arbor Café is closed to the public.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Changes To Hospital Visitation Policy

Effective Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Memorial Hospital of Converse County has added additional visitation restrictions for family and friends of patients.

Emergency Department

The Emergency Department is considered a high risk area in the hospital. No visitors will be permitted in the Emergency Department. Family members need to follow the attending nurse's instructions for where to wait for updates on their family member. Minor (pediatric) patients will be allowed one parent or guardian to stay with them when appropriate.

Third Floor Medical Surgical Unit

Patients with COVID-19, or those suspected to have COVID-19, are treated in our Medical/Surgical Unit located on the third floor of the hospital. No visitors will be permitted on the third floor. Routine updates will be provided to a designated family member by phone. Our patient rooms are equipped with phones and patients are as well allowed to use their personal phones to call or video chat with family and friends.

Labor & Delivery

Mothers in active labor will be permitted to have one guest with them throughout labor and delivery. The guest will not be permitted to come and go from the hospital, and must remain in the hospital throughout - as a labor attendant or guest, once you are in, you must stay in. Guests will also be permitted to use personal phones to call or video chat with family and friends.

Ultrasound

During ultrasound appointments, expectant mothers will not be permitted to have anyone in the ultrasound room during the exam. Expectant moms are permitted to use their own phones to video chat with family and friends during the ultrasound.

Hospital Based Appointments

COVID-19 is easily transmittable. The hospital has treated known COVID-19 patients. When possible, only the patient should enter into the building. One support person is allowed to accompany patients in the hospital for ancillary services, like Lab and Imaging, as needed. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

COVID-19 spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• Memorial Hospital of Converse County has put further visitation restrictions in place at our facilities.
• The Memorial Hospital of Converse County Respiratory Illness Clinic has moved to 222 S. 5th Street in Douglas.
• The Respiratory Illness Clinic is open throughout the week from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and 8 AM to 11:30 AM on the weekends.
• MHCC Primary Care Clinics remain open. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building.
• Outlying Specialty Clinics are Closed and patients are being contacted via phone.
• Elective surgeries beginning 3/23 are cancelled and will be rescheduled following this time of National Emergency.
• Emergent and urgent surgeries and procedures will continue as needed.
• Primary Care Providers will be cancelling or rescheduling non-urgent appointments.
• MHCC has restricted access to all visitors and guests.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.
• Volunteer Services, including Care Ride, have been suspended.
• The Arbor Café and Mocha Molly’s are both Closed to the Public.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Is COVID-19 In Converse County?

There has been ample concern expressed this morning about the presence of COVID-19 in our county. Memorial Hospital of Converse county uses the same testing criteria as the rest of the state. Patients are only tested for COVID-19 when they meet the criteria in place by the CDC and Wyoming Department of Health. While two patients tested positive for COVID-19 through Memorial Hospital of Converse County’s Respiratory Illness Clinic, they both live and work in Natrona County. The Wyoming Department of Health is classifying these cases as Natrona County. Converse County DOES NOT have any confirmed cases of residents with COVID-19 at the present time.

We all should still prepare for the very real possibility of COVID-19 being present in our community. The Surgeon General has advised the following, “Everyone needs to act as if they have the virus right now. So, test or no test, we need you to understand you could be spreading it to someone else. Or you could be getting it from someone else. Stay at home.”

Please take responsibility for your actions and health. Remember to maintain social distancing if you must go out, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands often, and pay attention to important updates. It is up to each of us to slow the spread and to flatten the curve.

COVID-19 Testing - Concerns of Costs To Patients

We have received questions from our community regarding the costs associated with COVID-19 testing. On March 18th, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Act into law. This act helps alleviate financial worries the public may have with the costs of testing for COVID-19.

Memorial Hospital of Converse County uses a pre-screening process on our COVID-19 hotline (307-358-7399) and at our Respiratory Clinic to help our staff determine the need for Respiratory Illness or COVID-19 testing. Patients will be asked a series of questions in this pre-screening process to determine if they meet the prerequisites for COVID-19 testing. The services provided as a part of determining COVID-19 testing are covered by the Families First Act and are provided to patients at no charge.

If a patient has received a bill concerning COVID-19 please contact the Billing Office at (307) 358-2122. As well if you or someone you know has concerns about exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 including: fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, please call our COVID-19 hotline at: (307) 358-7399.

New Location For Respiratory Clinic and Updated Screening Process

The Respiratory Illness Clinic at Memorial Hospital of Converse County will move to 222 S. 5th Street in Douglas, effective Friday, March 27th. In addition to this change, we will institute a slight edit to our screening process, effective immediately. (Please see the attached questionnaire for further details.)

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• The Respiratory Illness Clinic is open daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and 8 AM to 11:30 AM on the weekends.
• MHCC Primary Care Clinics remain open. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building. This includes our Oregon Trail Rural Health Clinic in Glenrock and the Register Cliff Rural Health Clinic in Guernsey.
• Outlying Specialty Clinics are Closed and patients are being contacted via phone.
• Elective surgeries beginning 3/23 are cancelled and will be rescheduled following this time of National Emergency.
• Emergent and urgent surgeries and procedures will continue as needed.
• Primary Care Providers will be cancelling or rescheduling non-urgent appointments.
• MHCC has restricted access to all visitors and guests.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM
• All interior doors will remain closed.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.
• Volunteer Services, including Care Ride, have been suspended.
• The Arbor Café and Mocha Molly’s are both Closed to the Public.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions (see attached). Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Memorial Hospital Opens Respiratory Clinic

Non-emergent patients experiencing respiratory symptoms are encouraged to go to the Memorial Hospital of Converse County (MHCC) Respiratory Clinic. The MHCC Respiratory Clinic is located at the Medical Office Building in Douglas, WY, 700 East Center Street.

The Respiratory Clinic is open daily from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday and 8 AM to 11:30 AM on Saturday. Non-emergent patients should call the COVID-19 Hotline after hours at (307) 358-7399.

Patients without symptoms do not need to be evaluated. Patients with symptoms should call the COVID-19 Hotline or go to the Respiratory Clinic.

Respiratory Illness Symptoms include:

• Cough
• Trouble Breathing
• Nasal Congestion
• Runny Nose
• Sore or Scratchy Throat
• Fever

The COVID-19 Hotline (307) 358-7399 is answered 24-hours a day by Memorial Hospital Clinical Staff.

Further Updates To Changes In Operations (those bolded and italicized are updates):

In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• Non-emergent patients experiencing respiratory symptoms are encouraged to go to the Memorial Hospital of Converse County (MHCC) Respiratory Clinic located at the Medical Office Building at 700 East Center Street in Douglas, WY
• Respiratory Clinic is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM
• Patients with respiratory symptoms will be evaluated at their car prior to seeing a provider.
• MHCC Primary Care Clinics remain open. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building.
• Outlying Specialty Clinics are Closed and patients are being contacted via phone.
• Elective surgeries beginning 3/23 are cancelled and will be rescheduled following this time of National Emergency.
• Emergent and urgent surgeries and procedures will continue as needed.
• Primary Care Providers will be cancelling or rescheduling non-urgent appointments.
• MHCC has restricted access to all visitors and guests.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM
• All interior doors will remain closed.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.
• Volunteer Services, including Care Ride, have been suspended.
• The Arbor Café and Mocha Molly’s are both Closed to the Public.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Car-Triage Now In Effect In Douglas For Respiratory Illnesses

Memorial Hospital of Converse County has now constructed a car triage for helping diagnose patients with respiratory illnesses. The process for accessing the car-triage is as follows:

• Patient either presents at a point of entry or calls their provider.
• A nurse will ask a series of questions to help discern level of care (please click here to see questionnaire).
• Dependent upon the patient’s answers the nurse will then direct the patient to proper course of action.
• If directed to car-triage area, the providers and staff will swab the patient for RSV or Influenza.
• This test will be conducted on site. And results provided to patient.
• Further instructions will be provided per results.
• Patients will not be tested for COVID-19 in the car triage.
• These protocols are subject to change per the Centers for Disease Control and Wyoming Health Department guidelines. Such changes will be communicated to the public as soon as possible.

The purpose of this change in our operations is to keep our community as healthy as possible, while also supporting a healthy and safe environment for our patients, providers, and staff. Your assistance and cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Current Changes In Operations (changes are bolded and italicized):

In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• Some primary care appointments are being conducted by phone, where applicable.
• Patients with respiratory symptoms will be evaluated at their car prior to seeing a provider.
• MHCC Primary Care Clinics remain open. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building.
• Outlying Specialty Clinics are Closed and patients are being contacted via phone.
• Elective surgeries beginning 3/23 are cancelled and will be rescheduled following this time of National Emergency.
• Emergent and urgent surgeries and procedures will continue as needed.
• Primary Care Providers will be cancelling or rescheduling non-urgent appointments.
• MHCC has restricted access to all visitors and guests.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM
• All interior doors will remain closed.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department entrance will remain open 24 hours.
• Volunteer Services, including Care Ride, have been suspended.
• The Arbor Café and Mocha Molly’s are both Closed to the Public.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions (see attached). Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

UPDATE - Potential COVID-19 Patient

Memorial Hospital of Converse County received the test results last evening (March 16th) for the patient admitted this past weekend to our isolation room for observation and care. The results of the COVID-19 test are negative. No further patients have presented with symptoms which have met the criteria for COVID-19 testing at this time.

Changes To Operations Remain In Effect:

(Updated Changes To Operations Are Bolded & Italicized)

In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• Patients with respiratory symptoms will be evaluated at their car prior to seeing a provider.
• MHCC Primary Care Clinics remain open. Every patient will be asked the screening questions prior to entry into any building.
• Outlying Specialty Clinics are Closed and patients are being contacted via phone.
• Elective surgeries beginning 3/23 are cancelled and will be rescheduled following this time of National Emergency.
• Emergent and urgent surgeries and procedures will continue as needed.
• Some non-urgent appointments are being cancelled. If your appointment is being cancelled you will be contacted by phone.
• MHCC has restricted access to all visitors and guests.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM
• All interior doors will remain closed.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.
• Volunteer Services, including Care Ride, have been suspended.
• The Arbor Café and Mocha Molly’s are both Closed to the Public.

COVID-19 Hotline:

Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers.

The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

March 13, 2020 - 12pm

MHCC CEO Matt Dammeyer initiated the Hospital’s Emergency Incident Command System (HEICS) per MHCC policy. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was established and HEICS assignments were made.

As of Saturday, March 14, 2020

In order to keep our patients and staff safe, Memorial Hospital has enacted the following measures.

• MHCC has restricted access to all visitors and guests.
• The Hospital Main Entrance will be open and monitored Monday thru Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM.
• Only patients with appointments or needed hospital services will be allowed into the hospital. A support person will be allowed when necessary.
• All interior doors will remain closed.
• All hospital exterior doors will remain locked after hours.
• The Emergency Department Entrance Will Remain Open 24 Hrs.
• MHCC Clinics Remain Open with Normal Hours of Operation.
• Volunteer Services, including Care Ride, have been suspended.
• The Arbor Café and Mocha Molly’s is Closed to the Public.

COVID-19 Hotline

Unless you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not go to the hospital. Memorial Hospital has established a COVID-19 Hotline for patients with questions or concerns about their symptoms. The Hotline is managed by the Emergency Department at MHCC. Patients who call the Hotline with symptoms will be asked a series of questions. Treatment advice will be given based on the patient’s answers. The Hotline Number is (307) 358-7399.

Potential COVID-19 Patient

Memorial Hospital has admitted a patient to its isolation room with COVID-19 symptoms, but no fever. The patient met criteria for COVID-19 testing. The Wyoming Department of Health will share the results with MHCC when it becomes available.