Coronavirus: Shannon Implements Visitation Restrictions

SAN ANGELO, TX – Shannon Medical Center will be implementing new visitation guidelines that will limit patient access and exposure throughout its facilities.

“The health and well-being of our patients, visitors, healthcare providers, and staff at Shannon is our main priority as we provide a safe environment and the very best care for our patients,” said the hospital in a statement.

There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county and these measures are taken out of an “abundance of caution” as officials monitor the outbreak of the virus in the state.

The hospital reminds the citizens of San Angelo that they “regularly treat patients with infectious diseases and have comprehensive protocols and resources to ensure we are able to do so with the highest regard to health and safety.”

The following temporary guidelines will go into effect: 

Patients in the Emergency Department or Acute Care Units:

Only 1 designated visitor per patient will be allowed at any time. All visitors must enter through the hospital Emergency Department entrance (24/7) or the Harris St. entrance (6 am to 6 pm) and undergo a screening each time entering the facility.

Patients in Women’s & Children’s Pediatric, Labor & Delivery or Women’s Health Units:

Only 2 designated visitors per patient will be allowed at any time. All visitors must enter through the south entrance of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital and undergo a screening each time entering the facility.

Any visitor screening positive for the symptoms of fever, cough or flu-like symptoms will be asked not to visit hospital patients and leave the facility and no children under age 16 are allowed.

“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement these safeguards to protect our patients, caregivers, visitors, and staff and help prevent the potential spread of illness during this time.”

As a reminder, Shannon Medical Center is providing free online coronavirus screenings through its telehealth program, Shannon On Demand. The service is for people who are worried they may have been exposed to the virus and are suffering from mild to moderate flu-like symptoms.

Shannon On Demand provides a virtual visit with a healthcare provider through a mobile device or computer. Patients can talk face-to-face with the provider through a video chat for evaluation of their symptoms. The service is available online 24/7.

 This resource allows patients to remain in their homes, minimizing the risk of spreading the virus or coming into contact with others who may be symptomatic and allows providers to direct patients to the appropriate site of care.

To start a screening, patients can go to www.ShannonOnDemand.com. To utilize the service on a mobile device, download the free Shannon On-Demand app from the Apple or Google Play app stores. Patients then must create an account by following the prompts to set up their screening. Upon reaching the payment screen, enter the code SHANNONCOVID19 and the screening will be free.