WHMC makes COVID-19 changes

With confirmed cases of COVID-19 now reported in Whitman County, Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics would like to re-emphasize the importance of social distancing and also remind the public of what to do if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. As a reminder, if you are experiencing a fever, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, coughing, and/or sore throat and body aches, please call your local Whitman Medical Clinic. They will talk with you about seeking care and options for testing while minimizing the risk of exposing yourself or others.

Colfax 509-397-4717

St. John 509-648-3331

Tekoa 509-284-2423

If you are experiencing severe symptoms or it is after clinic hours contact Whitman Hospital at 509-397-3435 or call 911.

Listed below are the latest changes Whitman Hospital would like you to be aware of:

- Patient Visitation. Restrictions have been put in place to allow patient visitation by exception only. Please see their website for specifics at https://www.whitmanhospital.org/coronavirus-covid-19/.

- Hospital Main Entrance. Main entrance/lobby will observe the following hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m – 6:30 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

If you need to access the hospital outside of these hours please use the emergency patient entrance and push button for assistance.

- Routine Patient Care. Visits for routine annual physicals and/or wellness exams should be postponed until further notice.

- Hospital Outpatient Services. Please expect a call prior to your visit in order to screen for symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. If you are experiencing a fever, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, coughing, and/or sore throat and body aches, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment.

- Harvest Home Cafe. The cafe and complimentary beverages will be unavailable to the public until further notice.

- Community Wellness. All classes are suspended until further notice.

- Blue Bird Boutique. The gift shop will be closed until further notice.

- N95 Masks. Whitman Hospital is accepting donations of N95 Masks. Anyone wishing to donate can drop off at the hospital lobby during hours noted above.

- Non-emergent Services. As instructed by Washington State Governor Jay

Inslee all elective non-emergent services will be suspended indefinitely.

Doctors can perform a non-emergent procedure if delaying would cause harm to the patient within the next three months. Please contact your provider’s office for your specific situation.

Efforts to keep patients, care providers and the community safe continue to evolve as new information from federal and state agencies is received. Please see WHMC's website and Facebook page for routine updates.