SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Early models projected South Dakota to see around 30-70% of its population infected by the novel coronavirus at its projected peak during the month of June. With a need upwards of 5,000 hospital beds and around 1,300 ventilators to stave off the surge. Though the estimated number of infected have stayed the same, the need for beds and ventilators have been cut in half, that was according to Governor Kristi Noem during a COVID-19 brief in mid-April.
Though the original projections have since seen a sharp decline, Sioux Falls Veteran Affairs is still prepping to help meet demand in a worst-case scenario. The VA website maps out in detail their role during the months to come, and their modes of operating. You can read the full report below.
Full Report :
Call First!
All unscheduled patients and those with flu-like symptoms are asked to call first! If you do not have a scheduled appointment or have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call us at 605-336-3230 EXT. 5001.
Visitor Guidance
There will be no visitors to inpatients. We will allow compassionate exemptions to end of life. Family members and friends can call to speak to inpatients by calling the operator at 605-336-3230 and dial 0 and ask for the inpatient/Veteran by name to be transferred.
Outpatients should come to VA appointments alone. If assistance is needed for your visit, limit your guest to one adult (over the age of 18) family caregiver who is not sick.
Screening
Entrance to the Sioux Falls VA and Community Based Outpatient Clinics will be routed through the front doors and the Emergency Department after hours (Sioux Falls medical center only); staff are screening for symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath before entry. Please be kind to our screeners and greeters who are facilitating the process, it is an effort to keep you safe.
Valet Parking
Effective immediately, patient valet parking has stopped at the Sioux Falls VA in response to COVID-19.
Cancellation of Elective Surgeries and Procedures
Out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19 and to limit the risk of exposure to patients and staff, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is canceling some routine services, including elective surgeries, nonessential procedures and other services are curtailed or postponed. We are contacting patients who have upcoming elective surgeries or procedures regarding their care plans.
Telehealth
For routine appointments, we recommend using telehealth (phone or video) for your scheduled appointment. You must be using a device (laptop/smartphone/tablet) that has access to your email and a camera. If you are using an Apple device, please visit your app store and download VA Video Connect. To test your device, please click on the Video to Home (CTH) Test button. This option is free and eliminates copays for that appointment.
You can also cancel and reschedule your appointment for a later date.
Wagner Outpatient Clinic Limited Services
Until further notice, the Wagner Outpatient clinic will no longer provide face to face services in response to COVID-19 contingency operations. The clinic will provide telephone and video to home appointments for Veterans to include secure messaging. Patients requiring face to face appointments will be referred to the Sioux City Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), Sioux Falls VA, or a local community in-network provider.
What about medications?
If you currently get your prescriptions sent to you by mail, you’ll continue to receive your refills by mail. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy is experiencing an increase in workload. To make sure you have your medicine on time, request your refill at least 10-14 days before you’ll run out of your current prescription. Visit www.myhealth.va.gov to order your prescription online or call 605-336-3230 option 1 for pharmacy and we will mail your prescription to you.
You can listen to KELO radio’s Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels talk with the Sioux Falls Veterans Hospital Director Lisa Simoneau and Public Affairs Officer Erin K. Bultje about how they are preparing for the Covid-19 peak and surge this month by heading over to Jon Michael’s forum under the podcast tab.
(Sioux Falls Veterans Affairs and KELO radio’s Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels contributed to this report.)
