Good afternoon,
We are making a practice change regarding the use of masks. In order to increase the safety of our staff we are asking that all patient care staff wear a mask when providing any direct patient care. We are very blessed our PPE situation has improved and we have increased our supply as much as possible. As we continue to learn about the virus and respond to supply chain disruptions we will respond appropriately to ensure safe care for all our patients and staff.
Home Care Staff:
- You must wear a mask any time you are in a patient home or any other setting you are interacting with a patient or their family/caregivers.
- Your mask should be reused until the mask become damaged or soiled.
- Be sure to put your mask (cloth or disposable) on and take them off with clean hands (either washing your hands or using hand sanitizer).
- You must stop by your office to pick up your masks. Please contact your supervisor if you are in need of masks and we will deliver to your vehicle.
- Additionally, we are asking you to mask any patient showing symptoms of COVID-19.
- A patient mask should be left at the home with the patient and reused for any future visits.
Inpatient Facility:
- You must wear your mask anytime you are with a patient or family member.
- Your mask should be reused until the mask become damaged or soiled.
- You are not required to wear them when you are not with patients/family.
- Be sure to put your mask (cloth or disposable) on and take them off with clean hands (either washing your hands or using hand sanitizer).
COVID 19 patients or awaiting test results:
- This mask practice is for use with all patients except COVID 19 positive patients or patients awaiting test results. You will be provided with different supplies to further assure your safety when working with these individuals.
We need to continue to do screening prior to every patient visit for all individuals in the home and for everyone entering the inpatient facility. This will help us identify when more PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is needed or any visitors who need to be denied entrance.
IPU Visitor Policy:
Based on feedback from our staff we have adjusted the IPU visitor policy:
- Visitors will be limited to 2 (two) family members or significant others per patient each 12 hour shift (7a-7p and 7p-7a) – Visitors may NOT switch out during the shift. If another family member would like to visit, they may do so on the next shift or the next day. If the patient has no family, then a caregiver, friend or pastor…etc. may visit.
- All other previous visitor limitations still apply.
Again, myself, and our entire management team ask for your patience and understanding during these uncertain times. There is no “playbook” for these black swan events; I would encourage each of you to read this recent article in the New Yorker by Dr. Atul Gawande regarding some initial COVID-19 observations (https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/keeping-the-coronavirus-from-infecting-health-care-workers). Please continue to practice safe social distancing and proper hand hygiene at all of our facilities as well as in your personal life. For many of us, scared is what we are feeling, but brave is what we are doing, the best way we can and know how. I appreciate each and every one of you and the brave commitment you continue to show to our patients and their families as healthcare professionals.
Thank you all and best wishes,
Chris Rawlings