Some residents of Exira have expressed concerns about the status of their medical clinic and that it might be closed permanently. Audubon County Memorial Hospital CEO Suzanne Cooner told KJAN News Tuesday afternoon and in a written statement, that the “Audubon County Memorial Hospital has received enough personal protective equipment over the last week to re-open our Exira Clinic on a limited basis. The clinic had been temporarily closed for the safety of the staff and to maximize the use of limited PPE”

Suzanne Cooner, CEO Audubon County Memorial Hospital

Cooner said “Our provider, Val Riesberg, and Christie Konkler and Julie Vais will staff the clinic starting this Friday, April 3rd from 8 am to 4 pm. After this Friday, the clinic will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.”

She stressed that “It is very important for the safety of our staff that visit are open by appointment only. This includes appointments for Lab draws and BP checks, which are usually walk ins. Patients will be screened on the phone and again in person upon entering the clinic. Everyone will wear a mask and the mask will be sent home with the patient.

The Clinic will schedule the patients appropriately throughout the day so that no one is in the clinic at the same time as another family is. The Clinic will only see patients whose symptoms are not suspected as possible Covid -19. Suspected Covid-19 will be redirected to Audubon County Memorial Hospital for testing at a designated time to maximize the staff’s use of full protective equipment.”

Suzanne Cooner said also, “The Exira Clinic will open up fully only after the Pandemic is considered contained in Iowa. We appreciate everyone’s patience at this difficult time but safety of our patients and staff are our primary concern.”