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Hospital eases visitor restrictions; Summit to open May 26

by Daily Inter Lake
| May 16, 2020 11:01 AM

Kalispell Regional Healthcare has started to ease some of its visitor restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The hospital initiated full visitor restrictions in March to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Effective Monday, May 18, Kalispell Regional will update visitor restrictions to allow one designated visitor per patient at KRMC, North Valley Hospital, and HealthCenter inpatient facilities.

A designated visitor is a single person that a patient designates as his/her visitor for the duration of the inpatient stay. Only one designated visitor is allowed per patient per hospital stay. Exceptions include end-of-life situations and parents or guardians of children under 18.

Designated visitors must be screened upon entry to Kalispell Regional facilities and wear a mask.

Full visitor restrictions continue to be in place at Brendan House and outpatient clinics.

The hospital also announced that beginning May 26, the Summit Medical Fitness Center will resume some activities, following the guidelines provided by Gov. Steve Bullock.

“The health and safety of our members, staff and clinical patients continues to be our highest priority,” said Summit Medical Center Executive Director Brad Roy. “Many members have eagerly awaited the re-opening of our facility, and we are grateful for their patience and understanding as we gradually bring our facility services and programs back up. We are looking forward them again, and will ensure the safest environment possible.”

Initially, the Summit will re-introduce limited activities including cardio equipment, weight training area, weight machines and outdoor group exercises. Summit members will register for specific time blocks to limit the number of people in the facility. Members and staff will be screened for illness upon entry and all masking, cleaning, hand hygiene and social distancing protocols will be followed.

Because the Summit also hosts cardiac rehabilitation, physical therapy and other medical fitness programs, some services will remain closed to further protect patients. Indoor group classes and personal training programs will not resume at this time. However, virtual fitness classes continue to be offered online.

Sitting areas, the climbing wall, gym, tennis courts, pool, spa, steam rooms, dry sauna, lockers and showers will remain closed at this time.

“We will continue to evaluate the situation and follow the directives from the State of Montana for reopening,” said Roy. “It is our goal to get back to a regular schedule as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Polson Medical Fitness Centers and Westshore Medical Fitness Center will also be reopening on Tuesday, May 26 with different reopening procedures and limitations. For more information or questions, Summit members can visit krh.org/summit or contact Member Services at (406) 751-4100.