Latest COVID-19 information

We are taking a phased approach to resume select services and surgeries to provide clinically necessary care for our patients. If you are feeling sick, have a preexisting condition or have a chronic disease, we want to make sure you do not postpone care that you need to get healthy and stay well.

We continue to be informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local guidelines. We offer these services to you and other patients and caregivers while minimizing COVID-19-related risks. Learn more about our commitment to your safety [link].

For visits such as routine check-ups, we are continuing to follow CDC guidelines and will help you schedule a telehealth appointment or reschedule the appointment to a later date.

To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, we've set up COVID-Free zones in our facilities for all patients who are receiving non-COVID-related care.

To keep you and your family safe, we provide and require masks for all colleagues, patients, and visitors at our facilities. COVID-19 is highly contagious. Wearing masks, physical distancing, and washing your hands are the most effective things you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We continue to limit visitors at our facilities and on our campuses. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. All visitors must be screened and are required to wear masks.  Our full visitor policy can be found here.

All patients scheduled for elective procedures will receive a COVID-19 test prior to the surgery/procedure. If a patient tests positive, the procedure will be postponed until a negative result is obtained.  At the time of a negative test result, the procedure will continue as planned in the COVID-Free Zone. However, if a patient tests positive, the procedure may continue should the patient’s condition worsen.

Safety is one of our core values and a top priority. If you need to come in-person, safety protocols are in place to protect you and our caregivers.

We've set up COVID-19 Free Zones to keep COVID-19+ patients separate from others. We have the needed personal protective equipment (PPE), screening and testing in place for all patient care facilities. Appropriate testing, workforce, and supplies are monitored daily, and we continue to clean and disinfect high touch surfaces to prevent transmission of the virus following the CDC's standards for COVID-19 safety.

You may be afraid anytime you need to visit a hospital or receive medical care, and we understand this is a more concerning time than usual. We are here for you and are committed to keeping you safe while you get the medical care you need.

Virtual Care is available from the comfort of home. You can also call your physician for an appointment or to schedule a surgery, procedure or in-person visit.

We are taking a thoughtful and careful approach to resuming all surgeries and procedures. Our re-opening is informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local guidelines. If you are struggling with your emotional health, feel stressed or are depressed, call 574.335.7630. We can help you.

Emergency surgeries will continue.

COVID-19 is a new, or novel, coronavirus. We are learning new information about this virus every day, including what is effective in stopping the spread and potential treatments. We prefer that all treatments and therapies undergo randomized, double-blind clinical trials with enough numbers of patients to justify their safe and effective use in clinical protocols.

Today, the treatments we offer, Remdesivir and Dexamethasone, have been tested and proven as being truly safe and effective. Saint Joseph Health System is also participating in potential therapies, such as convalescent plasma.

We will continue to participate in research protocols, share best demonstrated practices, and evolve our clinical care protocols and processes to provide the best care for our patients, our communities, and our colleagues.

We prefer that all treatments undergo randomized, double-blind clinical trials with enough numbers to justify their safe and effective use in clinical protocols. Hydroxychloroquine has not been proven to be effective, as demonstrated by several randomized clinical trials. Patients may even fare worse on this therapy.

We will continue to use the best available clinical evidence to care for our COVID-19 patients.