Bethesda, a senior living provider located in Willmar, Minn., was notified Saturday, April 25, of a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) among an employee of its Bethesda Grand campus.
“We would like the public to know that this employee has not been actively working on our campus following our employee screening policies,” says Michelle Haefner chief executive officer at Bethesda.
Haefner credits the advanced screening measures and the employee’s protocol compliance of self-reporting a mild symptom prior to reporting to work, to likely saving the health and well-being of many at Bethesda.
“We are doing everything we can to keep this virus out of our campuses,” says Haefner. “It is our belief that transparency is a key factor in preventing the further spread of this disease within our local community. That is why we are sharing this information regarding a connection between a confirmed case and our organization. There are currently no residents, tenants or active staff with a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) at Bethesda.”
Bethesda began aggressive infection control measures and screening procedures in March, as a response to the growing coronavirus situation. This included complete visitor restrictions, program closures and changes in daily operations.
“Our team is going above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of each person at Bethesda. We’ve implemented extensive screening and entrance processes, changes to our daily operations including modifications to staffing structures, dining experiences, home-support services such as laundry and housekeeping, and enhanced infection control training for staff and residents,” Haefner says.
Recently, Bethesda Grand underwent a proactive infection control survey given by the Minnesota Department of Health to skilled nursing settings within the state. The advanced precaution efforts and staff knowledge and training on infection control were positively recognized by the surveyors.
“This recognition gives us reason to hope that we will continue to remain clear of the virus within our settings, and also further fuels our desire to continually develop more ways to ensure the health and well-being of those we care for in Willmar and in Olivia,” says Haefner.
“As we navigate this challenge, we are especially grateful for our dedicated caregiving team, who are working tirelessly to ensure a clean, safe environment for all who live and work here. We all remain focused on providing exceptional care and services for our residents/tenants,” Haefner added.
In response to this confirmed case connection, Bethesda is contacting family members to share information and respond to questions. Families are also encouraged to use a newly established COVID-19 Hotline or email for any questions or concerns: (320) 235-0240 or [email protected]
Updates to the public will continue to be published via Bethesda’s COVID-19 page and Facebook page.
Bethesda is a not-for-profit social ministry organization dedicated to serving seniors in West Central Minnesota through residential and community-based health and wellness services. Bethesda, which has been caring for seniors for more than 100 years, provides a full continuum of care, including skilled nursing care, short-stay therapy centers, home health care, outpatient therapy, independent and assisted living, adult day services, and a wellness center. For more information call, 320-235-9532 or visit the website, www.BethesdaWillmar.org.