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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Information

Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers, and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

COVID-19 ONLINE RISK ASSESSMENT

To help support the health of our community, we are providing access to an online COVID-19 risk assessment developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This tool does NOT provide a diagnosis, and it should NOT be used as a substitute for an assessment made by a healthcare provider.

CLOSURES

  • The main entrance to the hospital is open from 5 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday
  • The Emergency Department entrance is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • The Baraga Bistro Café will only be open for employees

These measures are in place to protect our facility and our community. Please know that our providers and clinical teams are well-trained and prepared to manage outbreaks of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, seasonal flu, and other respiratory illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

Is the hospital clean and safe? 

Our hospital is clean and safe – just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility. We partner with a national environmental services vendor to keep our hospital current on the most effective cleaning and disinfection protocols available in healthcare today. 

  • Hospital housekeeping/hospital cleaning aims to sustain a sterile environment in all areas of the hospital by implementing high standards of cleanliness. 
  • Best practices such as terminal cleaning of high-risk areas and routine cleaning of no-touch services prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infections and assure the safety of both hospital patients and personnel. 
  • We maintain housekeeping checklists, effectively perform routine cleaning, monitor frequency, level, and method of cleaning based on area need. 
  • Specific hospital areas require terminal cleaning, intermediate cleaning, and constant disinfection to promote consistent quality of cleanliness throughout the entire facility. 

Do you have the supplies and capacity to accommodate my procedure? 

Our clinical teams will conduct twice daily “go/no-go” meetings in which they will review crucial supplies such as PPE, medications, blood, space, and staffing to ensure that we have enough to comfortably care for those undergoing time-sensitive, non-urgent procedures AND accommodate our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.

We are not booking our schedules to full capacity. Out of an abundance of caution and with the conservation of supplies in mind, we are not starting with a full schedule right away. Should things continue to progress positively, we’ll increase our capacity on a week-by-week basis. This is for your safety and ours.

Do you have enough staff to resume time-sensitive, non-urgent procedures?

Our team regularly monitors staffing levels to ensure a safe environment for all patients, providers, and employees. In addition, we screen all employees daily for COVID-19 symptoms. We are confident that we have the appropriate staff and providers to resume time-sensitive and non-urgent procedures while also accommodating our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients. 

Will my experience be the same as in the past? 

Your experience in our facility may look a little different than in the past, but this is because we have new processes and procedures in place to further protect your health during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

What should I expect during my procedure?

Upon arrival at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions and provided with a cloth mask (if you do not already have one). If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that. 

We continue to operate under a zero-visitor protocol out of an abundance of caution, so your family member/spouse/friend/caregiver will not be permitted to enter the hospital. We will gather their contact information so we can follow up with them to provide an update after your procedure and share instructions for pick up at the same location.

You may never see another patient while you are here, and that is intentional for now. We are currently trying to minimize overlap in an effort to promote social distancing, conserve resources, and protect the safety of all of our patients and employees.

You are going to be asked COVID-19 screening questions multiple times by multiple people, up until you are admitted for your procedure. You may get tired of these questions, but we assure you they are for your health and safety, and that of our staff. 

You may never see the faces of your care team members under their protective equipment. We do regret this, as the personal connections we have with our patients and community are what keep us going. However, this is an important precaution we are taking to protect you and our clinical staff.

What questions will I be asked during the screening? 

The questions are part of our standard COVID-19 screening process and include asking if you have….

  • Cough 
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

  • Fever 
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Whenever you are asked, please answer these screening questions honestly. If your procedure has to be postponed, it will be just that: postponed. It does NOT mean it will be canceled, and we will work with you to reschedule as soon as possible.

How will I prepare for my procedure?

If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be asked to practice “safer at home” behaviors for seven (7) days to minimize potential exposure prior to your procedure. This means going a step further from social distancing – trying only to leave your home for critical needs such as groceries or going to the pharmacy. If you need to leave for an essential purpose, you must wear a mask. You also will be asked to check your temperature twice a day during this seven-day period and report any result above 100°F to your provider. Finally, you will be tested for COVID-19 prior to your procedure as an additional precaution.

If you are having an imaging procedure, you will be screened and masked, but not tested for COVID-19.

Will I be tested for COVID-19? 

If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be tested for COVID-19 prior to your procedure. Your provider will place the order for the test, and the hospital will reach out with instructions for scheduling. If your test happens to be positive, your procedure will be postponed, and you will be given instructions related to your care. If you are having an imaging procedure, you will be screened and masked, but not tested for COVID-19.

Can my family member/spouse/friend/caregiver come with me to the facility? 

As part of the updated visitor restrictions, patients may designate one well visitor per stay, including one companion for outpatient appointments and one support person for obstetric patients. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry, and are required to wear a mask and a dated UPHS visitor sticker for identification while in the facility. Designated visitors are permitted between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm and must remain in the patient’s room except for the use of restrooms. Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until they are symptom-free. Visitors are not allowed for patients in isolation including those who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19.

UPHS – Marquette continues to screen everyone who enters the facility for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines. For additional updates on how the hospital is working to maintain a safe and supportive environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.mgh.org.

What happens when I arrive for my procedure? 

When you arrive at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions and provided with a cloth mask (if you do not already have one). If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that.

Will I be treated near COVID-19 patients? 

We are not performing time-sensitive, non-urgent procedures on COVID-19 positive patients at this time.

All patients who test positive for an infectious disease, including COVID-19, are isolated for treatment in accordance with the Marquette County Health Department, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and CDC guidelines. Our hospital has a dedicated isolation unit/wing for the treatment of patients under investigation (PUIs) and patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.

If I have additional questions about my procedure, who should I contact? 

If you have any questions, please call our team at 906-449-3966. 

Visitor Restrictions

At UP Health System – Marquette, our top priority is safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our patients, providers, employees, and community. We continue to closely monitor the prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community and follow state and federal guidelines as we adapt our operations to safely care for and support our patients. As current projections continue to indicate a lower than expected volume of COVID-19 in our region, effective Monday, August 3, 2020, we are easing our visitor policy as follows:

  • Inpatient Visiting Hours | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily. Please use the main entrance of the hospital.
  • Patients will be limited to one designated, well visitor for the duration of the patient’s stay. This also includes one companion for outpatient appointments and one support person for obstetric patients (including one certified doula or midwife during labor).
  • All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, will be screened upon entry, and will be required to wear a mask and a dated UPHS visitor sticker for identification at all times while in the facility.
  • Visitors who do not pass the screening at entry will be asked to reschedule their visit until they are symptom-free.
  • Visitors are NOT allowed for high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised, or respiratory patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19.
  • We continue to screen everyone who enters our facilities for symptoms consistent with COVID-19, per CDC guidelines.
  • Please utilize alternative methods of communication, including technology, with patients as much as possible.

Signage is being posted around the facility notifying visitors and the community of these new restrictions and guidelines.

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe environment for our patients and team.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR FAMILY MEMBER WHILE THEY ARE IN THE HOSPITAL

  • Patients admitted through our normal registration process will receive a PIN card. This PIN card has the patient’s PIN and a place to write the designated contact person’s name and phone number. Patients are asked to give the PIN to one designated family member or contact person and write their name on this card. 
  • The designated contact person will be in charge of sharing information with family and friends. The nurses will not be able to provide information to anyone over the phone without a PIN.
  • Some patients may be wearing a wristband with a contact person’s name and phone number.
  • It is our goal to proactively communicate with the patient’s designated contact person when the patient is unable to provide that communication themselves. 
  • We recognize that human connection can be essential to healing. We encourage patients and their loved ones to use technology to stay in touch. Each hospital room is equipped with a regular telephone.
  • If the patient does not have a cell phone, we can offer the use of an iPad or laptop. This can also be used when it is preferable to have a family member present during times such as discussing treatment options or going over discharge instructions. The patient or designated contact person can request this service by talking to the patient’s nurse. 

RESOURCES

Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19. For more information on the virus, please contact the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

Quick Links:

Additional Resources: