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Mimbres Memorial Hospital Resumes Services Previously Restricted Due to COVID-19

Efforts are part of New Mexico’s Phase 1 Reopening Plan

Mimbres Memorial Hospital will resume services that had previously been restricted due to the coronavirus outbreak. A phased reactivation began Monday, May 11, 2020 in accordance with New Mexico Department of Health guidelines.

“Like so many hospitals across the country, we have focused our services on the pandemic while managing the financial pressures associated with pausing elective procedures,” said Gary Poquette, CEO. “But unlike hospitals in more populated regions, we have treated very few COVID-19 cases and look forward to resuming our full range of essential services.”

The hospital’s reactivation plan will include resuming:

Surgical procedures
- To meet state guidelines and requirements on personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, infection control, and support services patients must test negative for COVID-19 within 96-120 hours of scheduled procedure and self-quarantine until the day of surgery after being tested.
Radiology (MRI, CT, Mammography and Ultra-sound)
Lab services

Mimbres Valley Medical Group’s reactivation plan will include resuming:

In-clinic and Telehealth appointments
Family Practice, Pediatrics and OB/Gyn
Podiatry, General Surgery and Orthopedics

Mimbres Memorial Outpatient Rehabilitation’s reactivation plan will include resuming:

Outpatient occupational and physical therapy

Appointments for all services are required to ensure social distancing and are scheduled with enough time for the patient to complete screening process for temperature and the New Mexico Department of Health screening questionnaire.

“The hospital has always had stringent infection control protocols in place and we’ve enhanced those precautions in light of COVID-19,” said Joy Harrell, CNO. “It’s important that we get back to taking care of community members who are waiting to take care of sometimes painful conditions. We’re ready to safely welcome patients for those postponed surgeries.”

“And while we cautiously look ahead to the next few weeks and months, Luna County community members are encouraged to continue seeking health care, especially when a medical emergency arises,” said Gary Poquette, CEO. “In a concerning trend, 29% of adults who responded to a recent American College of Emergency Physicians poll said they had avoided medical care because they were concerned about contracting COVID-19.”

Mimbres Memorial Hospital, Nursing Home and Mimbres Valley Medical Group remains committed to protecting the safety of patients, employees and visitors. Employees wear personal protective equipment and are temperature screened prior to entering the facility and interacting with patients.

Mimbres Memorial Hospital has treated one patient in the emergency room that tested positive for COVID-19. The patient was released to continue isolation at home and has since recovered.

All residents and staff of Mimbres Memorial Nursing Home have been tested for COVID-19 and all tests results have been negative. “We immediately restricted visitation and follow the daily updates of the CDC and New Mexico Department of Health guidelines to keep our residents safe,” said Jennifer Roach, Administrator. “Mimbres Memorial has been providing a loving home to Luna County residents since 1966. It is a special responsibility that we take to heart every day. I am in weekly communication with the family representative and our approach is fully transparent."

Individuals who think they may have COVID-19 or have been exposed are still encouraged to contact their health care provider before coming to the hospital.

“We understand how a global pandemic of this nature raises concerns and fear in people,” said Joy Harrell, CNO. “We want our community to be assured we continue to be vigilant in our implementation of infection prevention protocols and are here to care for you in a safe environment. Please do not hesitate to seek care.”