Union County Hospital Announces Plans for Upcoming Solar Eclipse Weekend
(
Anna, IL – August 7, 2017) – With as many as 200,000 additional people expected to be in Southern Illinois during the solar eclipse weekend, emergency management agencies and local authorities throughout the area have been meeting to ensure plans are in place to address any problems that may arise. Union County Hospital (UCH) in Anna is no exception.
“The hospital is taking a pro-active approach to the upcoming solar eclipse event. We want to be ready to serve not only our community, but the anticipated large influx of visitors, as well,” said Jim Farris, CEO of UCH. “Our team has been working over the past couple of months to have back-up plans in place in the event of a crisis. When this many people converge into such a small geographic area there is greater potential for a medical, environmental or even human triggered disaster to occur. We want the community to be assured UCH is taking the steps necessary to be prepared in the event they need healthcare services.”
Union County Hospital, in partnership with the Union County Ambulance Service, will assist in providing staff for First Aid tents during the four-day event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A tent will be located in downtown Alto Pass and another one in the northeastern part of Union County near Blue Sky Vineyard. Southern Seven Health Department is assisting with a First Aid tent up at Bald Knob Cross, as well.
Farris added, “I am sure most local residents have already seen the tips on being prepared for the solar eclipse weekend. The hospital re-iterates the importance of checking and, if necessary, filling any medications prior to August 18. To safely view the solar eclipse, it is a priority to obtain the special-purpose solar filter eye protection from a reputable source. Regular sunglasses will not provide proper protection. We want to encourage anyone needing routine medical services, such as lab draws, to get those done before or after the four day event. This will help with any congestion in the event of an emergency.”
Beginning on Friday, August 18, through Monday, August 21, the hospital will have signs outside of the facility directing any patients needing out-patient services, such as lab draws or radiology services, as well as visitors, to enter at the Convenient Care Clinic (CCC) entrance by the flagpole. Registration staff will be located in the lobby outside of the CCC to assist those patients and visitors. Patients needing to access the Convenient Care Clinic will be able to do so using the same designated entrance by the flagpole. Patients needing emergency room services will need to report to the ER entrance on the northeast side of the hospital at the top of the hill.
Union County Hospital wants to remind everyone the hospital parking lots are reserved for hospital business only and not for thru-traffic, eclipse parking or viewing. It is important for patients and ambulances to be able to readily access the hospital in a safe and quick manner. Should an emergency crisis happen, UCH will share relevant information with the community through their website at UnionCountyHospital.com and the hospital Facebook page, as well as through local media.
The Joint Commission
Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.