Sunflower Rural Health Clinic is offering COVID-19 Vaccines through their Vaccine Team Monday – Friday 8am – 3:30pm. A vaccine can be requested from a provider everyday 8am – midnight. COVID-19 testing can also be requested. Mask are required at all times.
Visitors ARE NOT allowed within the Emergency Department Lobby or Emergency Department Exam Rooms.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please contact your primary provider. See below for special operating procedures at our facilities.
The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) continue to closely monitor the outbreak of respiratory illnesses caused by the novel (new) coronavirus COVID-19, and are working to limit the spread of cases nationally and in Mississippi. MSDH is actively working with doctors and hospitals on responding safely and effectively to COVID-19. Please visit the MSDH website for the latest information on COVID-19 in Mississippi or call the Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday): 877-978-6453.
The health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone connected to North Sunflower Medical Center, including our patients, employees, and visitors, is always our highest priority. We are continuing to stay up-to-date with the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mississippi State Department of Health. In this rapidly evolving situation, we continue to take the necessary steps to protect and treat the North Sunflower family.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 (short for Coronavirus 2019) a global pandemic. There is no need to panic, but it is a very good reason to inform yourself with important information.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads. Here is what we know:
The primary symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Like most illnesses, the people most likely to have serious health infection due to exposure to the illness are people with compromised immune symptoms. As is the case with more common strains of influenza, this frequently this means older adults – especially those with heart disease, diabetes or lung disease.
Fortunately, experts studying the virus say it has less of an impact on children than the common flu.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Usually between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This is thought to happen through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic – or showing signs of being sick. Experts believe it is possible to spread the disease before people show symptoms, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus is spread.
Currently there is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19. The best ways to avoid contracting the virus are to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Most importantly, stay home when you are sick.
The CDC has put together a good set of Q&A for health care professionals, and we are working to make sure every member of our North Sunflower Medical Center staff has seen them and is up-to-date on the latest information about the virus.
If you think you have been exposed to coronavirus, and develop fever along with symptoms of respiratory illness (cough or difficulty breathing), Mississippi State Department of Health is recommending contacting your primary provider, instead of going to your local Emergency Room. Please call (662) 756-4024 prior to arriving at Sunflower Rural Health Clinic if you feel you’ve been exposed and need to be tested.
Stay home and follow the doctor’s instructions. Avoid public places and separate yourself from other people and animals in your home to avoid spreading the virus to other people who might be susceptible.
All of us at North Sunflower are continuing to monitor this evolving situation. As we determine how best to address this ongoing situation, we view it as our responsibility to keep you updated and informed.
You can find the latest information at cdc.gov. If you have questions call the Sunflower Rural Health Clinic at (662) 756-4024 or call the Mississippi Department of Health’s Coronavirus hotline, (877) 978-6453.
Information and response activities for North Sunflower Medical Center, Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility and the Sunflower Rural Health Clinic for COVID-19
North Sunflower Medical Center’s main entrance will close at 6pm each day and will reopen at 8am
North Sunflower Medical Center and all related entities through actions of administrators and physicians, using the latest (CDC) guidelines, are actively monitoring events related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and are receiving regular updates from public health authorities. The latest data indicate that older adults and people with chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, heart or lung disease) seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19. We are taking the following precautions for our patients, visitors and staff.
Visitation within Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility
- Visitors are allowed
- COVID-19 Screening and temperature check prior to visitation
- For more information, call (662) 756-1609
Visitation guidelines for the Hospital
- Visiting hours will be 8 AM-6 PM daily. Visitors may come for all or part of the time. They will enter through the front entrance of the hospital where they will check their temperature and sign the screening log. Visitors must sanitize their hands after signing in.
- Two guests will be allowed per patient per day.
- Visitors will remain in the room of the patient they are visiting and wear masks at all times (including in the room with the patients). Visitors will be allowed to go to the cafeteria but must stay in the patient’s room otherwise.
- Visitors will need to attest that they have not been exposed to someone with COVID for the 48 hours prior to arrival and are sign and symptom free for 48 hours prior to arrival.
- Visitors must be age 16 or older.
- Swingbed visitors please remember that the swingbed patients go to the therapy suite from 8:00 AM-10:30 AM and 12PM-2:00 PM each day. Visitors are not allowed to accompany patients to therapy.
Guidelines for Patients at the Sunflower Rural Health Clinic
- Masks must be worn at all times
- COVID-19 Vaccinations are available from Vaccination Team Monday – Friday 8am – 3:30pm
- COVID-19 Vaccination can be requested from a provider during regular clinic hours
- COVID-19 testing may be requested from a provider during regular clinic hours
Senior Care (inpatient Behavioral Health)
- Opened for admission (662) 756-9910
The Sunrise (outpatient Behavioral Health)
- Open for patients – COVID guidelines followed
The Beacon Wellness Center
- Gym is currently open Monday – Friday 6pm – 9pm and Saturday 9am – 5pm
Surgery
- 1 adult per patient
- Mask must be worn
NSMC Pharmacy
- Mask must be worn inside the pharmacy
- 2 drive thru lanes open during business hours
- Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm
- Saturday – Sunday 9am – 6 pm
Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds
- Stay home if you are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow, then immediately wash your hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including countertops, doorknobs, telephones, light switches, faucets and toilets