Limited Entry Points and On-Site Screening

Dear Patients and Visitors,

As the situation regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, so does our hospital’s response. In addition to measures we’ve taken including restricting visitors, closing common areas, and adhering diligently to Kentucky Department for Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, Bluegrass Community Hospital is taking more precautionary steps to help ensure the safety of our patients, employees and visitors.

Effective immediately, we will be limiting entry points to our facility and screening everyone who enters the building. The following provides additional detail about both safety measures:

• Limited Entry Points: Until otherwise notified, everyone entering the facility should come through the ER or main hospital entrance. All other entry points will be closed until further notice. The main hospital entrance will be open Monday through Friday from 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. The ER entrance will be open 24 hours a day.

• Screening Process: All patients, visitors and staff entering the facility will be screened with questions regarding respiratory symptoms and travel history, per CDC recommendations. Patients with symptoms will immediately be provided masks and managed per CDC guidelines. Based on the screening, visitors may also be asked to take their temperature, speak further with someone, or come back at a later date. Screening will occur upon every entry. Those visiting the second floor of the hospital will need to check in at the nurses station before entering a patient room.

We know that these increased precautions may seem concerning. We do not want to cause alarm – but we do want to send a clear message to our community that we are prepared, responding appropriately and are committed to protecting the well-being of our patients, visitors, employees and community.

These increased safety measures do NOT mean that you cannot access the hospital or your providers. Please seek medical care as needed. And if you are concerned you may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call your provider in advance of going to his or her office. Of course, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Bluegrass Community Hospital values the trust our community places in us, and we appreciate your understanding as we shift our visitation policies during this time.

For details about our COVID-19 response, please visit BluegrassCommunityHospital.com.

Sincerely,

Tommy Haggard

CEO

Bluegrass Community Hospital