LaFollette Health and Rehab Center keeping its residents safe

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Tennova LaFollette Health and Rehab Center, has implemented critical new measures to keep its residents safe from COVID-19, effective March 14.

 These measures are based on the newest recommendations from the CDC which states that all nursing home facilities should restrict visitation of all visitors, except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end-of-life situations. Our residents’ safety is our first priority and these steps will help us provide a safe environment for residents, families and staff.

Tennova  La Follette Medical Center is screening all patients as well as visitors and vendors as they enter LMC or any Tennova hospital. This includes screening for known risk factors — fever, cough and shortness of breath, travel to areas with many identified cases, or close contact with someone known to be infected with COVID-19.

   – Mildly ill patients should be encouraged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance about clinical management.

   – Patients who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. [Please call your physician or the ER before going to the hospital.]

   – Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness.

Tennova hospitals continually work to be prepared for all types of infectious diseases such as measles, flu or new viruses like coronavirus (COVID-19).  Proactive steps are being taken to prepare for the protection of patients, our caregivers and the community, and monitoring ongoing COVID-19 updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Tennova has a response plan to protect patients and staff should it be needed. Tennova understands the sensitivity at this time and wants to reassure the community that we remain alert and ready to provide such care if necessary.

*Visitor Restrictions*

Tennova has implemented visitor restrictions at our hospitals across the region. Only well, essential visitors such as immediate family, partner or significant other ages 18 and older may visit patients. If someone has traveled from a high-risk area for COVID-19, had contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19, and cough, fever or difficulty breathing, they will not be allowed to visit unless seeking medical care themselves. The limit of one visitor is preferred at a time. Patients in isolation will have additional visitor restrictions.

We’re asking for the community’s help in maintaining the safety of patients, visitors and our healthcare team members. When in the hospital for treatment, the best interest of our patients is to minimize unnecessary exposure to infectious or communicable diseases.

If loved ones would like to drop off a card, gift or message of encouragement, we are happy to deliver those to patients. You may also call a patient’s room or visit patients using Facetime or another video communication app. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 03/18/2020-2PM)