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 Macon County currently has the fifth-highest rate
of COVID-19 in the state, according to the Illinois Department of
Public Health.
Visitors for inpatients will also be suspended at HSHS St. John’s
Hospital and Memorial Medical Center as of Monday, November 2.
“COVID-19 is spreading throughout our community. Many people may
have COVID-19, and could be contagious before they are showing
symptoms,” said Dr. Raj Govindaiah, chief medical officer of
Memorial Health System. “Our mission is to improve the health of the
people and communities we serve, and this policy will allow us to do
that.”
“We understand this no-visitor restriction is extremely difficult,
especially for those who have loved ones in the hospital with severe
health issues,” said Gurpreet Mander, HSHS Illinois chief physician
executive. “But along with many other hospitals across the nation,
we are taking this step to keep our patients, colleagues and
community as safe as possible.”
The hospitals will allow exceptions with approval in limited
circumstances in areas such as the emergency department, obstetrics,
pediatrics, certain outpatient procedures and surgeries as well as
for those who may be in end-of-life care or to support a patient
with an intellectual disability. More detailed information can be
found on our individual hospital websites (HSHS St. John’s Hospital,
HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Memorial Medical Center, Decatur Memorial
Hospital).
All visitors must wear a face covering that covers their nose and
mouth at all times while in the hospital.
In order to support communication, information will be provided to
patients and families using telephones or video methods when
possible.
The restrictions will be re-evaluated as the COVID-19 situation
evolves.
“We understand that implementing visitor restrictions is not ideal,”
Dr. Mander said. “But we ask that you remain patient and continue to
socially distance from those around you.”
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“We are taking this difficult step in order to ensure
that we can continue to offer all services and continue to care for
the community,” Dr. Govindaiah said. “We ask the community support
us by getting your flu shots, and by following the ‘W’s to control
community spread: Wash your hands, Wear a mask and Watch your
distance.”
About Memorial Health System
One of the leading healthcare organizations in Illinois, Memorial
Health System of Springfield is a community-based, not-for-profit
corporation dedicated to patient care, education and research. Our
more than 6,700 staff members, partnering physicians and hundreds of
volunteers are dedicated to improving the health of the communities
we have served since 1897. In a year, we serve an average of more
than 40,000 inpatients, more than 667,000 outpatients and more than
125,000 patients in our four Emergency Departments. Our highly
skilled team has a passion for excellence and is dedicated to
providing a great patient experience for every patient every time.
www.choosememorial.org
About HSHS Illinois
HSHS Illinois’ mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love
for all people through our high-quality Franciscan health care
ministry. HSHS Illinois hospitals provide state-of-the-art health
care to our patients and are dedicated to serving all people,
especially the most vulnerable. HSHS Illinois includes St. Joseph’s
Hospital in Breese, St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, St. Anthony’s
Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Holy Family Hospital in Greenville,
St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield,
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Good Shepherd Hospital in
Shelbyville and St. John’s Hospital Springfield. St. John’s College
is also part of HSHS Illinois. For more information, visit
www.hshs.org.
[Michael Leathers
Media Relations Consultant | Communications
Memorial Medical Center]
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