REVIEW SHOWS HIGH MARKS FOR OAKVIEW TERRACE

Freeman Regional Health Services (FRHS) Oakview Terrace nursing home received a visit on Dec. 1 from a representative from the South Dakota Department of Health. These surveyors are being sent to SD health care facilities as part of the state commitment to take critical steps to ensure health care facilities are prepared to respond to the threat of COVID-19.

The review that was conducted at Oakview Terrace included observations for proper infection prevention and control practices that have been shown to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 virus. The surveyors must determine if each facility is in compliance with established Federal requirements. FRHS received a report from the South Dakota Department of Health noting that Oakview Terrace nursing home was in “substantial compliance” with no deficiencies cited.

This report coincides with the recovery of all of the Oakview Terrace residents who had previously tested COVID-19 positive.

In recent weeks, residents in the Southview Secured Memory Care Neighborhood had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and were being cared for in their neighborhood with dedicated personnel. Interim Co-CEO and Chief Nursing Officer Courtney Unruh said, “It is always a concern when those at high risk, including our senior population, test COVID-19 positive. We are extremely thankful that our team was able to take the appropriate steps to mitigate the spread of the virus and very grateful that our residents only experienced mild symptoms.”

FRHS will continue to test all Oakview Terrace staff and residents per state and federal guidelines. This testing will help identify any asymptomatic individuals that could be unintentionally spreading the COVID-19 virus. FRHS will keep the community informed of any further developments and requests the assistance of the entire community to take personal actions that minimize the spread and reduce the incidence of COVID-19 virus infection.

This press release was issued for publication in The Courier by Freeman Regional Health Services.