Health Center modifying access for patients

By MIKE DONOGHUE
Islander Staff Writer
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SOUTH HERO – The Champlain Islands Health Center plans to make a major adjustment in the way it delivers wellbeing services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has reached Vermont and into nearby Clinton County N.Y.

The facility off U.S. 2 in South Hero village will lock its doors this week, but will continue to offer informational services by phone to patients in the Grand Isle County region, Health Center officials said today.
 
A nurse and an administrator will remain on duty in South Hero, but people are being urged to call the office ahead and not just come in unannounced, according to Kate Reed, the interim chief executive officer health center.

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The Health Center staff is trying to determine the best way to proceed in the new environment.
 
“We are in the planning of consolidating our team,” Reed said.  The health center staff will be working with their colleagues from other offices in Northwestern Vermont, she said.
 
Reed said the top priority is to protect the patients and the entire community.
 
She said the most vulnerable need to stay home.  Meanwhile the health center is putting all the technology and phone support in place.

Reed said the exact timing of the modified access is still being resolved, but she expects it will be Friday at the latest. 
“They can call.  There will be an administrator.  The nurse will help triage,” Reed noted.

The people that will be on duty in South Hero are part of the normal 8-member team and will know the patients.

She said 80 percent of the people that have possible medical issues can be treated at home with fluids.
The best number at the Health Center to call is (802) 372-4687.

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