We’ve taken extraordinary steps in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in Minnesota and have implemented many changes as we prepare for a likely surge in COVID-19 positive cases in the coming weeks.
Some of the actions we have already taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to:
- Limiting the entrances to our facility
- Postponing elective surgeries and non-critical procedures, and rescheduling outpatient appointments
- Rearranging spaces in our facility to adhere to social distancing guidelines
- Standardizing personal protective equipment (PPE) for our staff
- We have also made changes to our inpatient floor to increase our bed capacity and to meet the specialized care needs of an expected influx of COVID-19 patients
Virtual Care
For the safety of our patients and staff, we have temporarily moved to a “virtual first” patient care model by offering virtual clinic visits. If you have non-emergency health concerns or questions, you can get advice from a Fairview medical professional through video visits, telephone visits, or MyChart E-visits. Additionally, OnCare.org, a 24/7 online clinic, is available for after-hours non-urgent needs. Visit Fairview.org/MyChart or call 218-362-6937 for more information.
Emergency Department
Our emergency department remains open for patients requiring emergency medical attention. We never turn away patients seeking emergency care.
COVID-19
Most individuals who are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath, will be able to recover at home by using self-isolation and supportive treatments.
If you develop worsening symptoms, you should call us at 218-362-6682 or visit OnCare.org for consultation and determination of next steps.
The Healthcare Community Bands Together
While it is certainly a difficult time, the way our healthcare community has come together has been overwhelmingly positive. All the healthcare systems are working together to create solutions that are best for the region. For example, Essentia Health allowed us to temporarily relocate our Chemotherapy/Infusion and Medical Oncology departments and staff to their Hibbing clinic located on the other side of our parking lot.
“This decision was made to protect this population of patients, as well as release space on our medical floor,” says Patrick Sharp, President & CEO of Fairview Range. “St. Luke’s Hibbing Family Medical Clinic leadership has also been in constant communication to help provide urgent care support when needed. I want to extend my gratitude to our partners at St. Luke’s and Essentia Health for their tremendous collaboration.”
Fairview Range, like health care systems across Minnesota and the nation, continues to work through traditional and nontraditional avenues to obtain the personal protective equipment (PPE) our healthcare workers need to address this crisis. With that said, we’re overwhelmed by offers of support from our community to help in any way they can as our doctors, nurses, and clinical teams work around the clock. Thank you for your generosity. For more information on how you can help, visit here.
Visitors
As a reminder, at this time there are no visitors allowed on our campus, with the exception of compassionate care, pediatrics, and labor and delivery. In these cases, you may have one adult visitor. We encourage patients to find other ways, such as video chat, to connect with their loved ones. We realize that this may be difficult for our patients and their families. Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of our patients and employees.
We’re In This Together
Lastly, please remember that you are not facing this COVID-19 pandemic alone. We are all in this together. Your whole community, including your healthcare team, your police force, and your first responders, are working together, now more than ever, to keep our community healthy and safe. We ask everyone to practice good health hygiene – wash your hands for 20 seconds, cover your cough or sneeze, stay home when you are sick. We all have an individual role to play to help flatten the curve and slow the spread of this disease.
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