Coronavirus Information

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Hamburg, IA - Due to the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iowa, GCGCH wants to remind the public that the Iowa Department of Public Health and its public health partners continue to closely track COVID-19. Be assured that George C. Grape Community Hospital has implemented policies and procedures to protect our patients, staff, and visitors and remain in direct contact with Fremont County Public Health and IDPH to stay informed and are following current recommendations.

Inpatient and Visitor Information: George C. Grape Community Hospital will continue to direct all patients and visitors to the main entrance of the hospital during regular business hours. We remain limiting visitors to immediate family members, two people at a time per patient, and they must pass additional screening. We are not accepting visitors on the weekends unless extenuating circumstances exist.

Front door is open:
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. M-F
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays
Locked on Sundays

Outpatient Clinic Visits: Patients please use the main entrance, where you will be given further instructions. Patients will be encouraged to come without an escort, if possible. However, if assistance is required there will be only one escort per patient allowed.

Outpatient Treatment Center: Patients will be encouraged to come without an escort. If an escort is necessary, only one escort will be allowed with each patient. The patient and the escort will be screened for potential COVID-19 exposure prior to entering the OTC.

Emergencies: Please use the Emergency Entrance at the rear of the hospital. We are only allowing two family members per E.R. patient, which will also be screened.

Physical and Occupational Therapy patients in our Rehab Building, you will continue to be screened according to CDC guidelines, but we now ask that if you require the assistance of someone else, that they please remain in the car during your therapy session or come back.

Surgeries/Procedures: Any patients that are scheduled for a procedure and need to be here before 8:00 a.m., please utilize the E.R. entrance in the back. One visitor will be allowed back in the pre-op area. This visitor will be screened along with the patient upon admission and the visitor will be required to wear a mask the entire time they are in the facility.

Home Health/Public Health: Per CMS guidelines we are limiting in-person nurse visits when they do not require an actual hands-on skill, and bathing or personal care visits to once weekly when possible. For patient/client screening of any in-person visit we will screen each patient and a temperature will be taken and documented.

Pediatric Patients: One parent/guardian may stay with the patient during their hospital stay after visiting hours and on weekends.

Caregivers: There are no restrictions for caregivers after visiting hours or on weekends. The following is the definition of caregivers as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Caregivers are broadly defined as family members, friends or neighbors who provide unpaid assistance to a person with a chronic illness or disabling condition.

End of Life: Guidelines can be reevaluated on a case-by-case basis for unfortunate end of life patients.

Clergy: There will be no restrictions on clergy visits.

If you suspect you have been exposed to and/or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you please call ahead to George C. Grape Community Hospital (712-382-1515) before arriving at the hospital to allow our healthcare providers time to appropriately plan for your arrival. You will be given further instructions at that time. Masks are located at entrances for your protection and for the protection of others in the hospital.

Mask Donations: We truly appreciate everyone's help with the homemade mask donations!

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time, and will continue to keep you updated as we continually adjust to this very fluid situation.

The CDC recommends the following ways to minimize the spread of all respiratory illness, including COVID-19:

• Staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with those who are sick.
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

We understand that information changes quickly and our policies and procedures may change just as quick, and as a valued patient and visitor to our hospital we want to provide resources to better prepare you for a visit to our hospital and to help educate you as these changes take place. Please continue to monitor our website: www.grapehospital.com, and our social media pages as additional resources are shared.