ASL version

If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a slow-paced, high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendly ASL version instead.

English version

M Health Fairview has asked MNCDHH to create an ASL version of their message to their patients. If this is your medical provider, this message is for you. If you have a different provider, check with your hospital system about their changes.

From M Health Fairview

M Health Fairview (including all Health East and Fairview locations) is taking every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We want to inform our patients of changes in providing Health Care starting now and until the COVID-19 crisis is controlled. Aligning with Federal guidelines as much as possible, including social distancing and less face to face time, how you see your doctor and how you receive services will look different. We are living through challenging times and our goal is to keep our patients, their companions, our workforce, and our communities safe. In order to do that, we will need to change how services look until we can reduce these safety precautions.

If you have symptoms of or questions about COVID-19 and you are a patient of M Health Fairview (formerly Fairview/HealthEast) please go to Oncare.org. 

If you do not have access to the Internet or find it difficult to fill out the questionnaire on your own;

1. Medical Providers are asking you to contact your primary clinic via your preferred VRS or Tele-Relay provider.
2. State that you need assistance with the questionnaire; you will be directed to the right number.
3. Understand, you may be on an extended wait time to talk to a person. We appreciate your patience and partnership during this time of crisis.

If you haven’t experienced this already, you will experience the following in the future:

1. Many non-essential procedures and regular appointments are being rescheduled for a future date. These include: Annual Physicals, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc.
2. Some appointments are being done over the phone. If you need an in-person appointment and you cannot use a video phone or other relay system (due to physical restrictions or because you do not own one) please let your clinic know what type of accommodation you need.
3. There are efforts being made to notate “critical in-person” only patients; Such as patients who are DeafBlind and need specific communication accommodations. These critical needs are being assessed on a case-by-case basis.
4. You will be asked if you can utilize Video Remote Interpreter Services for some necessary in-person appointments, such as those for required lab work, OB, or infusion.
5.  Again, if you have physical limitations that prohibit the use of video or tele-relay appointments, please let your provider know.

If you are hospitalized for any reason; we are asking the community to partner with us.

1. In-person services may be more limited depending on the situation. There will still be in-person interpreters depending on the need of the person hospitalized.
2. Please help your care team develop a communication plan that will work best for you.

If you are hospitalized for COVID-19 precautions or positive test.

1. Your in-person services will be during certain times to ensure you can speak to Drs. and other health care professionals that are necessary to your care.
2. Your nurse or care team should partner with you to come up with a good communication plan. This is done to minimize exposure to the overall community. It is also for your safety, to lessen your exposure to other possible health issues.

To protect our patients, no visitors are allowed on our hospital and clinic campuses.

1. Exceptions will be made for compassionate care.
2. Pediatrics, NICU, and Labor and Delivery may have one visitor age 18 or older.
3. If necessary, one person may escort a patient to their outpatient/clinic appointment. 

We thank you for your patience and partnership. 

If you have communication needs questions or need further assistance please contact:

Missy Marsh QMHI, RID CI/CT, BA; Manager of Language Services & Communication Access: mvigesa1@fairview.org or 612-273-3836.

Credits

The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thanks:

M Health Fairview for reaching out to their patients who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing.

James Paul Beldon III for ASL talent.

Patty McCutcheon for voiceover.

Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production