MT. VERNON, IL — As the COVID-19 curve flattens, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia and SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon have resumed limited elective procedures.

Dr. Corey Black, Regional Chief Medical Officer of SSM Health in Illinois says the safety of our patients, employees and physicians is our top priority. Black says they continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. At this time, SSM Health feels it is safe to begin resuming these procedures. The primary focus will be on patients who have delayed non-urgent, but essential treatment.

The following measures continue to be in place to help ensure the safety of all those we serve:

• • Testing all patients prior to their scheduled procedures
  • Screening all employees, visitors and contractors
  • Grouping patients with COVID-19 together within the hospital
  • Maintaining strict visitor policies

For routine SSM Health Medical Group appointments, patients should call their provider to determine whether an in-person or telehealth visit is most appropriate. During a telehealth appointment, providers connect with patients through video chat or, if necessary, a phone call to diagnose, treat, educate and prescribe appropriate medications. To find an SSM Health provider near you, visit https://www.ssmhealth.com/find-a-doctor.

SSM Health continues to monitor guidelines issued by the CDC and is working closely with state and local officials to ensure it is following social distancing guidelines, as appropriate.