How Union Health continues to deliver health services following COVID-19.

While COVID-19 continues to dominate local and national news, routine medical conditions haven't just disappeared. It's imperative, especially now, that people continue to receive care to prevent future hospitalizations.

"For those patients that put their health concerns on pause during the last two months, we at Union Health are prepared to safely resume your healthcare needs," Jacqueline Holder, D.O., and medical director of Union Medical Group said.

The ban on elective medical procedures across the Hoosier state was lifted in April. Union Health chose a phased-in approach. This allowed surgical teams to monitor area COVID-19 cases, personal protective equipment (PPE), and government recommendations and guidelines.

Surgical Services System Director Jill Dillingham assures patients that safety has been and will continue to be the main component for any procedure or practice.

"Our main priority at Union Health is to keep you and our staff safe while taking care of your surgical needs," Dillingham said.

As stay-at-home orders were loosened across the area in May, Union Health put extra safety measures in place in order to keep you and your family healthy. These additional precautions include strict screenings, staggered appointment schedules, rearranged waiting rooms to meet social distancing guidelines and masks to be worn by patients, visitors and staff.

For those patients who were reluctant at first to seek treatment face-to-face with their provider, virtual (or telehealth) visits were immediately increased across the system.

Many patients embraced the process while staying safe at home.

One patient submitted this favorable comment.

"Telemedicine is a different experience for me, but my doctors seemed quite at ease with it and made me feel at ease."

Another patient writes, "My recent appointment was a virtual visit. I really appreciated that option."

Union Health is always ready to meet the healthcare needs of our community.

When faced with adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Union Health has and will continue to adapt and overcome. All 3,000 plus associates that make up the Union Health family have and will continue to make it their mission to serve our patients with compassionate health care of the highest quality.

"The actions taken by our physicians and care team to keep our community safe have been on the leading edge during these times," Jack Hill, V.P. and Chief Operating Officer, said.