WNH Continues COVID-19 Protocols

May 18, 2021

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With several developments taking place regarding COVID-19 guidelines for the general public, the William Newton Hospital incident command system team met Monday to review the changes.

“Last week, the City of Winfield repealed its mask ordinance, the CDC released new guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals, and Gov. Laura Kelly announced the state of Kansas was adopting the CDC’s recommendations,” says William Newton Hospital Director of Marketing Sarah Johnson.

“It’s natural for people to ask if the hospital, too, will be adjusting its practices. As a healthcare provider, patient safety is our top priority. Therefore, WNH is keeping its current COVID-19 precautions in place for the time being.”

Johnson pointed out the recent CDC guidelines are not intended for healthcare settings. Along with the CDC guidelines, the hospital team reviewed screening requirements by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Hospital Infection Control Coordinator Melanie Burnett, MSN, RN, also consulted with infectious disease expert Margaret Hagan, MD.

“Masks are still an important tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially in healthcare settings,” explains Burnett.

The hospital is still restricting visitors and requiring masks or face coverings in all public and patient care areas. All individuals entering the healthcare facility are being screened for signs of illness.

“Although protocols have been relaxed elsewhere, healthcare workers still have to protect themselves and patients from COVID-19 transmission. We are asking everyone to respect this by wearing a mask when entering our facilities,” stresses Johnson.

If a healthcare provider’s COVID-19 protocols are unknown, Burnett suggests leaning on the side of caution and bringing a face covering to the visit. To learn more about the precautions in place at William Newton Hospital, call 620-221-2300.