If experiencing symptoms call the GRHS hotline at 320.334.5481 or schedule a Tele-Health Video Clinic Visit. DO NOT go directly to one of the clinics or to the ER.
UPDATED on April 8, 2020 to include the extension of Governer Walz’ Stay Home Executive Order through May 4.
In response to Governor Tim Walz’ March 27, 2020 Stay Home Executive Order asking Minnesotans to limit all non-essential movement outside the home until May 4, rest assured Glacial Ridge Health System remains open and ready to serve the community.
Call GRHS From Home First
If you are experiencing a fever, cough, or respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, please call before going to one of the clinics or the Emergency Room (ER). A dedicated phone line has been set up for this purpose only. It is 320.334.5481. A GRHS nurse will ask questions about your symptoms and give you further instructions. A Tele-Health video clinic visit is recommended for patients experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. Per the Minnesota Department of Health, due to the national shortage of lab testing materials, a limited number of people meeting MDH criteria are eligible for COVID-19 test. If a person meets the criteria for testing, a separate area is designated for patient testing with additional protocols for staff and patient safety.
Other illnesses and conditions are not taking a break during the COVID-19 pandemic and clinics remain open, including an option to schedule a Tele-Health video clinic visit with your health care provider, from the comfort of your home. To make a Tele-Health appointment call Glenwood Medical Center at 320.634.5157, Starbuck Medical Center at 320.239.2200, or Brooten Medical Center at 320.346.2272. Provide a cell phone number to receive a text on a smartphone, or an email address you can receive on a smartphone or laptop. Your provider will connect you to the Backline® system at your appointment time. Backline® is HIPAA compliant and is a safe place to share your health information. Instructions for patients to connect can be found on the website at glacialridge.org or call the clinic to ask for more information.
Glenwood Medical Center Creates Check-In, Waiting Room, and Exam Room Zones
If you need to be seen in one of the clinics, rest assured the entire facility is cleaned and disinfected regularly and is still a very safe place to get the care you need. GRHS staff are trained to limit COVID-19 exposure to themselves for both your safety and theirs. Glenwood Medical Center initiated separate check-in desks, waiting areas, and exam rooms for well visits and sick visits. Starbuck Medical Center and Brooten Medical Center are only well-visit clinics at this time. An additional “super-clean” area is designated for patients undergoing treatment or are considered high risk. These patients will have a separate entrance and will receive instructions on the appointment reminder phone call.
New Hours at Glenwood Medical Center / Walk-In Clinic
Beginning Monday, March 30 and extending through the end of April, the Walk-In Clinic at Glenwood Medical Center is adjusting its hours. The clinic will close an hour earlier on Monday through Saturday and will not be open on Sundays. As with all changing procedures during COVID-19, this will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks.
New Walk-In Clinic hours are Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and Sunday: Closed.
Facemask and PPE Donations
Glacial Ridge Health System is well supplied with factory-made facemasks and other protective equipment; however, they are accepting donations as a contingency for possible shortage and future use. Your donations may be shared with area nursing homes and hospitals as the need arises.
While most instructions for hand-sewn facemasks are similar and meet CDC guidelines, there are variables depending on their intended purpose. Please use the instructions on the GRHS website to make hand-sewn facemasks if they vary from what you have seen elsewhere.
All donations may be dropped off in a tote just inside the main entrance of the clinic. Please provide your name, address, and phone number so you can be properly thanked in the future. Remember, if you are sick, please do not make or drop off until you are without a fever for 72 hours.
Previously Implemented Procedures Remain the Same
Glacial Ridge Hospital and Ridgewood Villa are continuing to restrict all visitors to limit unintentionally exposing other people to influenza or other viruses. We recognize this is extremely difficult for family members and close friends, so thank you for adhering to this procedure for the duration of the COVID-19 threat.
As always, call 911 in an emergency. Anticipate ambulance personnel to be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to your call. They wear this on all calls as a precaution to help protect everyone from potential exposure to the coronavirus.
