SXU's Health Center Reopens with Coronavirus Precautions
Saint Xavier University's (SXU) Health Center has reopened after its initial closure in response to COVID-19. As of May 4, the Health Center is open for well visits, which include visits for physicals, vaccines and some testing. The center will continue to conduct telemedicine for sick visits, which include visits for symptoms like cough, sore throat and fever.
Through careful consideration and diligent monitoring, the decision to reopen was made to ensure the Health Center can continue to serve community members in need of care. Proactive in monitoring the course of the virus, the Health Center is well-prepared with their stock of personal protective equipment (PPE), and to ensure health and safety of the SXU community, all patients will be screened the evening before their appointments and will be required to wear cloth face coverings during their visits.
"We provide many services for our nursing students, and with accelerated students starting courses in May, we wanted to be sure to be open so they could be ready to start clinicals as soon as they are able. They are the future of the profession, and we need to be able to support them as much as we can," said Kathryn Schlee, FNP-BC, director of Clinical Services. In addition to assisting nursing students, the Health Center is able to administer vaccines to neighborhood children, which is especially important given the pandemic's effect on immunization rates, which are down across the country.
The Health Center staff continues to diligently monitor COVID-19 by participating in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College Health Association (ACHA) webinars to ensure they are making informed decisions on behalf of the SXU community. "We want to continue to provide care for our students, staff and greater community in the safest way possible," said Health Center Director Kathleen Rohan.
Patients who need visits for physicals, tuberculosis testing, vaccines, drug screens, lab draws or STD testing are eligible for in-person visits. Patients experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, congestion, sore throat or stomach issues will need to be seen by telemedicine, either over the phone or by a HIPPA-secure video link. Patients who need visits for mental health can be seen in-person or via telemedicine.
The Health Center will remain open all summer. For more information, call 773-298-3712.