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COVID-19 news and updates

The latest St. Luke’s news and information related to coronavirus and COVID-19.

An update on operations at Wood River Medical Center

By Joy Prudek, Notes and Announcements
April 3, 2020

Beginning Friday, April 3, St. Luke’s Wood River will resume limited services, including inpatient admissions and clinic visits, on a case-by-case basis.

In support of a safe environment for patients and caregivers, hospital leaders temporarily suspended non-emergent operations on March 20 at the St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center. The decision followed the challenges of significant community spread of COVID-19.

“We are taking a thoughtful, measured approach to reinstating services to ensure we deliver exceptional care in a safe environment,” St. Luke’s Wood River Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer Carmen Jacobsen said.

“We will continue to evaluate how we best deliver safe patient care given the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are learning, very quickly, just how nimble and resourceful health care providers are having to be through the course of this pandemic.”

“Together, we will get through these challenging times. Thank you for abiding by the self-isolation order to help bend the curve, protect our most vulnerable and slow the spread of COVID-19.  We are deeply moved by the support and appreciation you have exhibited for our healthcare professionals and are profoundly grateful for the community’s generosity,” Megan Tanous, Chief Development Officer, St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation.

Following are details regarding the ramp-up of programs and services:

Urgent surgeries and procedures will resume; the mother/baby unit will reopen.

Patients seeking same day care for non-COVID urgent illnesses and injuries will be triaged and seen at the walk-in clinic at the Physician Office Annex (POA) at 100 Hospital Drive daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice. While walk-ins are accepted at this location, patients are encouraged to call ahead to be put on the schedule to ensure optimal safety; the walk-in clinic can be reached at (208) 727-8811. The walk-in clinic continues to screen those with COVID symptoms on the north end of the POA and remains open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An ortho clinic will be available in the POA Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for patients needing follow-up and to assist with urgent/emergent needs. Contact your preferred St. Luke’s ortho clinic to request an appointment.

The St. Luke’s Family Medicine Clinic will reopen on a limited basis Monday, April 6, for patients without COVID symptoms for medical needs; hours will be Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Internal medicine, gastroenterology, neurology, OB and other specialty services will be available on a rotating basis. Patients are being directed to contact their primary care providers or, if they do not have a primary care provider, to phone the clinic directly at 208-788-3434 for assessment to determine the appropriate care plan. A clear protocol on screening patients for visits has been established and will be communicated appropriately. Video and telephone visits will be utilized where appropriate as well.

St. Luke’s Wood River’s Emergency Department continues to be fully operational for medical emergencies. Patients needing higher levels of care will be transferred to appropriate facilities based on our standard operating procedure as a critical access hospital.

St. Luke’s encourages everyone to:  

  • Stay home if you are sick. If you develop symptoms, please call St. Luke’s triage hotline at 208-381-9500.
  • Practice social distancing, even if you are not showing symptoms. This is a critical step in protecting our communities, especially vulnerable populations.  
  • Maintain good hygiene. Wash hands often, keep surfaces around you clean and disinfected, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching your face.
  • Seek testing only if necessary. At this time, testing is being prioritized for those who are experiencing symptoms, who are at high-risk or who have been exposed to someone who as tested positive for the virus.

Media contact: Joy Prudek, Public Relations Manager, St. Luke’s Wood River, [email protected], 208-727-8435

About The Author

Joy Prudek is the manager of public relations for St. Luke's Wood River.

Related Medical Center

St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center
Street Address: 100 Hospital Dr.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100
Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 727-8800

Related Services

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Emergency Services at St. Luke's Wood River
100 Hospital Drive
Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 727-8800