Local hospital no longer allowing visitors

RITZVILLE – East Adams Rural Healthcare enacted a “No Visitors Policy,” effective for the immediate future.

“This may change at some point, but we are unsure when that will happen,” Corey Fedie, CEO said.

Fedie said the decision was not made lightly, but in accordance with Governor Jay Inslee’s new mandates which include recommendations on not having visitors in any long term care settings.

“We do have a long term care facility within EARH, and the potential detrimental effect an outbreak would have on the safety and health of those residents is not one we are willing to take,” Fedie said. “We do not make this decision lightly, however, it is of utmost importance in our continued effort to protect our staff and patients.”

Those requiring a caregiver to accompany them to appointments or patients who are minors may have one person accompany them to appointments, as well as the Emergency Room.

“To accommodate those who may be unable to make their appointment alone, we have included the option for telehealth appointments and evaluations,” Fedie said. “If neither of these options work, please feel free to call and we will discuss further options to ensure you receive the care you need.”

Fedie said staff were looking into virtual options for long term care residents to be able to visit with family members in the community.

“Technology is a wonderful tool, and our hope is to utilize it to make this transition as painless as possible,” Fedie said.