COVID Update

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COVID-19 UPDATE

The health and safety of our staff and community is BCH’s highest priority.

Can I still contract COVID-19 after I am fully vaccinated?

Yes, you can still get COVID-19 if you are fully vaccinated (although less likely) – but if you do, you are less likely to get seriously ill/hospitalized.

Where can I get vaccinated?

BCH’s Mask Policy

  • We are not requiring masks for patients and visitors. We ask that you please wear a mask if you are sick.

BCH’s Visitor Policy

  • BCH is now allowing visitors, but we ask that you limit the number of visitors.
  • Please do not accompany or visit patients if you are sick. 

 BCH thanks you for your understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic as we strive to keep our staff and community healthy!

 For more information on the status of COVID-19 in our region, please visit Panhandle Health’s website: https://panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19/

Patient Portal – Secure, Portable Online Health Records

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Benewah Community Hospital offers you access to your health records through Cerner Health.

By utilizing the secure, online portal, you can send a message to your Provider’s Medical Assistant/Nurse, request an appointment, view your health profile, and look up lab results (to include COVID-19 test results).

Once signed up, Cerner Health offers an app, “HealtheLife,” that can be downloaded on your smartphone/tablet.

Information on how to sign up for the patient portal located on flyer below.

Patient Portal

February is American Heart Month

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As February is American Heart Month, it reminds us to take care of our heart! Consider adopting healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. Move more, work on your weight and salt intake, quit smoking – take care of YOU!

Click this image to view the full PDF of information

To learn more about Heart Health, Click Here! https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/all-publications-and-resources/move-more-making-physical-activity-routine

BCH begins process of Vaccinating Community

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BCH’s Clinic has begun scheduling pre-screening appointments for patients to complete paperwork and talk with a provider regarding getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Please see press release with specific information below:

Final COVID Vaccine Press Release 01.2021 (PDF)

BCH Starts Vaccinating Employees and Medical Staff

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Starting in December 2020, BCH was able to start vaccinating our staff for COVID-19. General Surgeon and Chief of Staff Dr. Bill Wheeler at BCH was among one of the first BCH staff members to receive his vaccine.

Our healthcare workers are taking precautions to slow to spread of COVID-19! Our goal is to stay healthy so we can take care of YOU!

 

BCH Welcomes New CEO!

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Valley Vista Care CEO Chuck Lloyd has taken on the role of CEO at Benewah Community Hospital.  Mr. Lloyd has previously worked as a chief financial officer, chief operations officer and healthcare administrator.  He has also overseen operations and multiple healthcare facilities simultaneously.  According to Mr. Lloyd, it is not uncommon for healthcare facilities, particular in rural settings, to have shared executives.

While he will serve as CEO for both entities, VVC and BCH will remain separate.  The board presidents and Mr. Lloyd agreed that having the same CEO will be a benefit to their relationship.  “We have a great opportunity to improve healthcare for our community at both organizations,” Mr. Lloyd said “We are thinking outside the box which is what small communities need to do. I think this is in the best interest of VVC, BCH and the community.”

Mr. Lloyd signed a one year contract with BCH.  He has another two years under is contract with VVC.

COVID-19

BCH is Prepared for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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COVID-19

Benewah Community Hospital has been working closely with Panhandle Health District on updates for Coronavirus (COVID-19). BCH is prepared for any cases that may present to the hospital. As of June 24, 2020, there have been 13 positive COVID-19 cases in Benewah County, most of these being on the CDA Reservation.

BCH has been providing information to the public to keep our community informed.

For more information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/, or Panhandle Health District’s website: http://panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19/

COVID-19 testing charge: $65 (may be covered by insurance). BCH will be testing only symptomatic or directly exposed individuals, to be determined by your healthcare provider.

Downloads

 

February is National Heart Month!

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*Article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Heart Disease: It Can Happen at Any Age

Heart disease doesn’t happen just to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. This is partly because the conditions that lead to heart disease are happening at younger ages. February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you need to take now to help your heart.

Conditions/Behaviors that put people at risk of Heart Disease:

  • High blood pressure. Millions of Americans of all ages have high blood pressure, including millions of people in their 40s and 50s. About half of people with high blood pressure don’t have it under control. Having uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the biggest risks for heart disease and other harmful conditions, such as stroke.
  • High blood cholesterol. High cholesterol can increase the risk for heart disease. Having diabetes and obesity, smoking, eating unhealthy foods, and not getting enough physical activity can all contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
  • Smoking. More than 37 million U.S. adults are current smokers, and thousands of young people start smoking each day. Smoking damages the blood vessels and can cause heart disease.
  • Obesity. Carrying extra weight puts stress on the heart. More than 1 in 3 Americans—and nearly 1 in 6 children ages 2 to 19—has obesity.
  • Diabetes. Diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood. This can damage blood vessels and nerves that help control the heart muscle. Nearly 1 in 10 people in the United States has diabetes.
  • Physical inactivity. Staying physically active helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Only 1 in 5 adults meets the physical activity guidelines of getting 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity.
  • Unhealthy eating patterns. Most Americans, including children, eat too much sodium (salt), which increases blood pressure. Replacing foods high in sodium with fresh fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. But only 1 in 10 adults is getting enough fruits and vegetables each day. Diet high in trans-fat, saturated fat, and added sugar increases the risk factor for heart disease.

If you are concerned that you or a loved ones may be at risk of heart disease, schedule an appointment with one of our Clinic providers today. St. Maries Family Medicine: 208-245-2591

 *Full article can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/index.html

BCH Supports Local Athletics!

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BCH Employees participate in School Events to raise community support for St. Maries Lumberjack Pride! This year, for their homecoming week, BCH staff dressed up in the class colors each day to show support! Our staff also participate in the school’s food drive each year in efforts to fill the local food banks!

Each Spring, BCH provides Free Sports Physicals for middle school and high school students participating in athletics.

BCH is a proud supporter of our hometown Lumberjacks. Go Jacks!!

BCH will host our annual Fright Night on Friday, October 25th, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

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This is a FREE Event for the community, sponsored by the Employees of BCH.

Please have your children dress up and come to enjoy a fun night of games, prizes, and candy!

FREE Hotdogs, chips, and water will be available in the Blue Spruce Café for the Kids.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from BCH!!!