Highpoint Health Provides Protocols To Keep You Safe During This Unprecedented Time

Highpoint Health is strictly following the new COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, by order of Governor Holcomb, Highpoint Health canceled all elective screenings and surgeries. This action was taken to preserve personal protective equipment, ensure there were enough hospital beds to treat COVID-19 patients and to help prevent the spread of infection. Now, as a direct result of the community doing such a great job following COVID-19 precautions – staying home, social distancing, wearing masks, proper handwashing, etc., – Highpoint Health has been able to slowly and methodically begin resuming many medical procedures that were put on hold.

We never stopped providing care

“I think there’s a public misperception that we’ve only been treating COVID-19 patients,” said Michael Schwebler, President and CEO of Highpoint Health. “The truth is we never stopped providing emergency care and life-saving procedures at the hospital and our physicians never stopped providing care in their offices.”

What has changed, though, is that Highpoint Health is strictly following the new COVID-19 guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Indiana State Department of Health to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff. Until there is a COVID-19 vaccine, business, as usual, will look a little different.

Here’s what Highpoint Health patients can expect

While things may look a little different around here, one thing hasn’t changed,” said Schwebler. “Patient safety is and always will be our number one priority.”

Here is some of the protocol that has been put in place to make sure Highpoint Health delivers the safest care possible:

• All patients, visitors, staff, and providers are screened before entering the hospital.
• All patients, visitors, staff, and providers must wear masks at all times.
• All team members are assigned and supplied masks that have been chosen specifically for their type of work and patients with whom they come into contact. Some team members must also wear other personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves, gowns and face shields.
• All elective surgical patients will be tested for COVID-19 prior to their procedure.
• Sanitizing stations are placed throughout the hospital.
• Designated inpatient areas for COVID-19 patients have been created.
• Waiting room chairs are arranged to adhere to social distancing.
• Floor markers are placed throughout the hospital to assist with social distancing.
• Appointment times are staggered throughout the day to assure proper social distancing.
• Deep cleaning takes place after COVID-19 patients are discharged. This includes using a CDC recommended disinfectant, a special floor finish to assist with infection control, and as an extra precaution, swab testing to make sure high-touch surfaces are thoroughly sanitized.

How you can help

• Check for any visitor restrictions specific to your appointment type or by calling the hospital (812-537-8210) or your physician’s office.
• Not all entrances are open. Ask about what door to use prior to coming to an appointment or procedure.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer prior to arrival.
• Wear your own mask if you have one.
• Bring along a digital device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop, to connect with loved ones if they are unable to be with you during an inpatient hospital stay.
• Practice safe social distancing.
• Use telemedicine options whenever possible.

“We greatly appreciate our community’s cooperation during this difficult time,” said Schwebler. “Your commitment to helping prevent the spread of infection is critical for us to continue hearing, helping and healing all those who come through our door.”