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  • Archives for covid-19

covid-19

Hamilton Medical Center Using Technology to Clean Air Within Hospital

August 10, 2021
covid cell - Needlepoint bipolar ionization used to clean the air with ions

Needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI) technology has been installed in every air handler system in Hamilton Medical Center. This improves the air quality in patient rooms, lobby areas, the cafeteria, and offices. NPBI complements the already existing air filtration within the hospital.

NPBI technology helps reduce particles in the air by introducing ions into the space via the airflow in the ventilation system – without producing harmful levels of ozone or other byproducts. Contact with ions has microbicidal effects on certain viruses and bacteria, which ultimately disrupts their surface proteins and renders them inactive.

When the ions disperse throughout a space, they seek out and form bonds with particles in the air through a process called agglomeration. This creates a snowball effect in which particles of opposite polarity begin to cluster together. The larger a cluster of particles becomes, the easier it is for the ventilation system to filter it out of the air.

What is an ion? An ion is a molecule or atom that is positively or negatively charged, meaning it must either gain or relinquish electrons in order to become neutral. Naturally occurring ions are everywhere outdoors, and they are constantly working to clean the air. Ions are created with energy from rushing water, crashing waves and even sunlight.

Peri Correll
Peri Correll

“Particles like dust, dander, smoke, mold, viruses and bacteria all can be suspended in the air we breathe, even though we can’t see them,” said Perri Correll, Infection Prevention director. “This technology significantly reduces those harmful particles and keeps our indoor air clean much like naturally occurring ion clean outdoors.”

Third-party testing has shown the NPBI technology dramatically reduces certain viruses and bacteria in the air. For example, in specialty testing with SARS-CoV-2, there was a 98.33% reduction in the air and 99.98% reduction on surfaces.

HMC continues to practice social distancing (including decals on floors and furniture) to prevent people from getting within 6 feet of each other. There are additional sanitizing stations throughout the facility, and Xenex germ-zapping robots use high-powered UV light to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses on surfaces. Staggered appointments are used to minimize the number of people in a given area. All guests and staff are screened as they enter HMC and other Hamilton facilities. In addition to HMC, other Hamilton Physician Group and other Hamilton Health Care System locations have added screening, social distancing, additional sanitizing, staggered appointments, and face mask requirements for all patients, support people, and staff.


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Filed Under: COVID-19, Excellence at Hamilton, News Tagged With: air quality, covid-19, ion, needle point

Coping with COVID-19 Webinar Series

November 16, 2020
father and son exercising together - “Staying Healthy During a Viral Pandemic: Tips for Mind and Body webinar

The Anna Shaw Children’s Institute (ASCI) will host a free webinar titled “Staying Healthy During a Viral Pandemic: Tips for Mind and Body” on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m.

The presenters will be Nancy Carnevale, MD, and Emily Brandt, MD, both developmental pediatricians for ASCI. Click HERE to register ONLINE.

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Filed Under: Anna Shaw Children's Institute, COVID-19, Education, Health & Wellness Tagged With: anna shaw children's institute, covid-19, parenting, webinar

Hamilton Health Care System Joins #MaskUpGA Campaign

September 22, 2020
Hamilton Health Care System Joins # MaskUpGA Campaign

Hamilton Health Care System has joined #MaskUpGA, a campaign to encourage all Georgians to make the choice to wear face coverings when in public settings and to social distance when possible to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19.

The purpose of the campaign is to encourage organizations, businesses, and individuals to post on social media pictures or videos of themselves wearing masks and to accompany these posts with #MaskUpGA and a message about why they “mask up.”

Hamilton Health Care System CEO, Jeff Myers wearing a mask for #MaskUpGA campaign
Jeff Myers, CEO

“This campaign is about Georgians coming together to protect ourselves, our families and those around us,” said Jeff Myers, CEO. “We, along with Gov. Brian Kemp, are encouraging everyone to wear a mask to stop the spread of this virus. Together, we can make a significant difference.”

Research and data show that wearing face coverings helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing masks is “a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of disease, particularly when used universally within communities.” The CDC further states that wearing masks potentially slows the spread of the virus from one person to another.

#MaskUpGA

As a Georgia Hospital Association hospital, Hamilton is participating in #MaskUpGA. Along with Hamilton, a number of organizations around the state have committed to joining the campaign’s efforts


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Filed Under: Community, COVID-19, Excellence at Hamilton, Health & Wellness, News Tagged With: #MaskUpGA, covid-19, goergia, kemp, masks

Hamilton providing safe care in middle of pandemic

September 16, 2020

DALTON, Ga. (August 12, 2020) – Though processes, services and visitation look and feel different, you can be confident that Hamilton Health Care System (HHCS) will continue to provide safe care.

“We are seeing a lot more people coming back into the hospital for screenings, surgeries and other necessary healthcare,” said Sandy McKenzie, COO. “It’s important to remember that delaying care, whether testing or treatment, could be detrimental to your health, or at least cause extended discomfort in some cases. We’re taking many extra steps to keep you and our associates safe.”

HHCS is following CDC guidelines and has put a number of measures in place to help keep patients and support people safe. When patients arrive at Hamilton Medical Center (HMC), they are greeted by a staff member who take their temperature, screen for COVID-19 symptoms and provide hand sanitizer.

In addition, staff have the same screening procedures in place and wear masks and other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed.

“We’ve seen that masks and other appropriate PPE have been very effective in protecting patients and staff members as well as preventing the spread of the virus,” said Peri Correll, director of Infection Prevention.

Bill Evans recently traveled to HMC from Atlanta to have his total knee joint replacement surgery. “I felt very safe,” he said. “The hospital is the safest place to be. I never once felt uncomfortable.” Evans said that everything went well. “Everyone was super nice. It couldn’t have been a better experience.”

HMC continues to practice social distancing (including decals on floors and furniture) to prevent people from getting within 6 feet of each other. There are additional sanitizing stations throughout the facility, and Xenex germ-zapping robots use high-powered UV light to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses on surfaces. Staggered appointments are used to minimize the number of people in a given area, and patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are kept in a separate, protected area in the hospital.

In addition to HMC, other Hamilton Physician Group and other Hamilton Health Care System locations have added screening, social distancing, additional sanitizing, staggered appointments and face mask requirements for all patients, support people and staff.

“We understand that many people have delayed care during the last few months due to COVID-19,” said McKenzie. “But it’s important to get the healthcare that you need. We are totally committed to providing the safest and highest level of care.”

Phyllis Stephens, chief operating officer for the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, recently had an endoscopy procedure. “I’m glad I didn’t delay my procedure,” said Stephens. “As a patient, I felt very comfortable and safe when I arrived. The check-in and admittance were quick and my nurse took great care of me as she prepped me for the procedure.”

HHCS is encouraging everyone to continue taking precautions to avoid an increase in infections. “Please continue to take precautions when going out into the community,” McKenzie said. “Avoid crowded areas, wear a mask when in public, wash your hands often and remember to social distance. We all want this virus to be gone. Please be safe.”

Filed Under: Community, COVID-19, Education, Excellence at Hamilton, Happening at Hamilton, Health & Wellness, News, Patient Education Tagged With: covid, covid-19, infectious disease, patient care, prevention, safety

Diabetes and Covid-19: What To Do If You Get Sick

September 8, 2020
A pair of hands using a diabetes test strip above a blood glucose meter and case. Hamilton Medical Center

Severe illness from COVID-19 is more likely in people who have certain underlying medical conditions. One of these is type 2 diabetes.

Read More…
 
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Filed Under: COVID-19, Education, Health & Wellness, News Tagged With: blood sugar, covid-19, diabetes, underlying health conditions

COVID-19: What You Need to Know

July 9, 2020
Visitor Restrictions

Visitation Guidelines
COVID-19 Test Results Data

What should I do if I feel sick?

If you have a fever or any kind of respiratory difficulty such as coughing or shortness of breath, call your health care provider and explain your symptoms over the phone before going to the doctor’s office, urgent care facility or emergency room. Hamilton’s Emergency Department number is 706.272.6158.

COVID-19 Symptom Self-Check

Over the phone, be sure to communicate about any travel outside the country in the last 14 days. Also, be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you suspect you have been close (within 6 feet) of someone who has COVID-19 for an extended period. Your health care provider or the emergency room team will recommend next steps.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and let them know about your symptoms and recent travel history.

What is Hamilton Medical Center doing to prepare for a possible outbreak of COVID-19?

How can you help keep yourself healthy?

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Stay at home when sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

For more updates on COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
https://www.who.int/

Filed Under: Community, Health & Wellness, News, Public Notices Tagged With: cdc, coronavirus, covid-19

Hamilton Long Term Care Facilities Hold Social Distancing Parades For Residents, Family Members

June 9, 2020

Wood Dale, Regency Park and Ridgewood Manor (Health and Rehabilitation facilities for Hamilton Long Term Care) recently hosted parades for residents and family members. Visitation has been restricted since early March to protect residents from COVID-19.
Quinton Memorial was the first one to hold a parade in early May.
Members of the care plan team had been working on creative strategies to allow family members and residents to see each other, and the social distancing parade idea was developed.
Wood Dale residents Sara Lusk, Yvonne Hawkins, Elizabeth Hughes, and Peggy Stinson all said they enjoyed the parade and appreciated it. Stinson said she even danced.

parades at Wood Dale, Regency and Ridgewood

“It was just wonderful,” said Lusk. “Everything was so organized. I even heard the birds singing as I was getting ready for the celebration to begin, and then I saw my son and his wife and the banner they made. I started to cry. I was so happy.”

Ken Lusk, son of Sara Lusk attended. “I really appreciate the effort that was put into the parade, including how the residents were kept safe and separated,” he said. “That 25 seconds of joy, passing in front of my mom really meant a lot – job well done.”

Staff members helped residents make posters to hold up as their family members drove by at a safe distance. Residents lined up outside the facility while following social distancing guidelines.
Regency Park resident Bettie Lane said the parade was her favorite activity since she’s been there. Kenneth Montieth, husband of resident Virginia Montieth said the parade was wonderful for him and his wife.
“I could see the smiles even with masks on,” said Fostene Wimpy, daughter of Regency resident Geneva Walker. “Their faces were lit up.”
Ridgewood Manor resident Nola Bramlett said she was happy to see her girls. “The parade was so much fun,” she said. Her daughters said they felt blessed to be able to see their mother.
Many residents and family members said they were ready to have another parade soon.


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Filed Under: Hamilton Long Term Care, News Tagged With: covid-19, hamilton, long term care, parade, social distancing

Ridgewood Resident Celebrates 70th Anniversary With Husband While Social Distancing

May 20, 2020

Ridgewood - Couple celebrates 70th anniversary
Ed and Sara Lowery hold hands through the glass during their 70th wedding anniversary.

With the help of some staff members, a Ridgewood Health and Rehabilitation resident was able to celebrate her 70th wedding anniversary with her husband, all while social distancing.

Sara Lowery has been a Ridgewood resident for almost five years. Before COVID-19, her husband, Ed, would spend seven to nine hours each day with his bride of now 70 years.

Hamilton Long Term Care

 

“He would come in the morning and leave in the evening,” said Helen Ionashku, administrator. “Since we are in quarantine, Mr. Lowery has not been able to visit his sweet heart, therefore he thought he would not be able to have any kind of celebration for their 70th anniversary.”

 

Mr. Lowery’s son, Kenny, emailed asking how his mom and dad could celebrate their anniversary.

 

Ionashku worked with Matthew Cummings, director of operations, and Lori Brown, director of Health Services, to come up with an idea. They decided to prepare a meal and set up two identical tables on each side of the glass window in the front of the facility so the couple could celebrate safely.

 

Ionashku brought the idea up to her staff. “One thing led to another, and we ended up making the day a big ‘Love always wins’ day for the couple,” Ionashku said.

 

Ridgewood - Couple celebrates 70th anniversary
For safety, Ed and Sara Lowery celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on either side of the glass at the front of Ridgewood Health and Rehabilitation due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Mary Sue Smith, Social Services, purchased an outfit and a veil for Mrs. Lowery. Gaye McKenzie, activities coordinator, gave Mrs. Lowery a makeover.

 

“This was absolutely amazing!” said Kenny Lowery. “It made my day. I’ll never be able to express how much my family appreciates the efforts of the Ridgewood staff in making this happen. Seventy years is quite a milestone!”

 

Ionashku said she is happy that the celebration came together. “This is a beautiful love story,” she said.

Filed Under: Hamilton Long Term Care, Happening at Hamilton, News Tagged With: anniversary, covid-19, HLTC, quarantine, ridgewood manor

Hamilton Medical Center Implementing Plan to Safely Open Back Up, Allowing Limited Visitation

May 18, 2020

Beginning Monday, May 18, limited visitation (Español) will be allowed for Hamilton Medical Center patients who desire a visit and can safely receive a visit.

Sandy McKenzie
Sandy McKenzie

“Certainly, many people have delayed care during the last few months due to COVID-19,” said Sandy McKenzie, COO. “We know how important a support person can be, and not being able to have that person around likely has discouraged people in coming to the hospital. We have been monitoring the COVID activity in our community and are now ready to adjust our restrictions to allow limited visitation. We’re taking many extra steps to keep you and our associates safe.”

Hamilton is following CDC guidelines and has put many measures in place to help keep you safe. When patients arrive at HMC, they are greeted by a staff member who will take their temperature, screen for COVID-19 symptoms and provide hand sanitizer and a face mask if the patient doesn’t already have one.

Visitors must enter through the main entrance (accessible from Memorial Drive) and will be screened, including a temperature check and COVID-19 symptom and exposure screening.

Visitations will be limited to one support person, 18 or older, from 9 to 10 a.m., 12 to 1 p.m., or 5 to 6 p.m. The visiting hour cannot be split with other people. Once a person has checked in to visit a room, no one else will be allowed to enter until the next visiting hour.

Everyone who enters the hospital will need to wear a mask or face covering. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mask or face covering as long as it is not soiled or dirty.

ScreeningHMC screening staff will provide a visitor’s badge that must be worn at all times during the visit. Visitors are not permitted in areas other than the designated room of the patient they are visiting, and only during the visiting hour.

Emergency Department, surgical and endoscopy patients may have one support person with them provided that they meet the visitation qualifications. Visitors in the Emergency Department must stay with the patient while in the department. The support person for surgical and endoscopy patients must wait in designated waiting areas or in their vehicle after coordinating with staff.

 

If an Emergency Department, surgical or endoscopy patient is admitted to a patient floor at HMC, the support person must exit and re-enter through the main entrance during one of the visiting hours.

 

Labor and delivery patients may have one support person (spouse, partner, doula, etc.) for the duration of delivery and postpartum care. The support person must wear a mask or face covering except when in the room alone with mother and baby.

“Though our processes and services look and feel different now, we’re committed to providing the safest and highest level of care,” said McKenzie. “We are here and ready to meet your healthcare needs.”


Safety Measures at Hamilton Medical Center

  • Screening for COVID-19 symptoms at the door
  • Separate care areas for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients
  • Proper personal protective equipment for staff members
  • Social distancing
  • Sanitizing stations throughout the facility
  • Xenex germ-zapping robots to disinfect 99.9 percent of dangerous contaminants
  • Staggered appointments to minimize the number of people in a given area
  • Face masks provided to all patients and staff members, regardless of symptoms

 


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Filed Under: COVID-19, Health & Wellness, News Tagged With: covid-19, patients, visitation, visitors

How To Help Children Through Changes, Scary Times

April 21, 2020

 

Emily Brandt, MD developmental and behavioral pediatrician at Anna Shaw Children's Institute in Dalton, GA
Emily Brandt, MD

There have been a lot of sudden changes that you and your loved ones may have been dealing with recently. These changes may be stressful and scary for both adults and children. Having your child home full-time, needing to help with their school work, worries about loved ones getting sick, loss of jobs and deadly storms add a lot to the stress of children and adults. Here are some tools that can help:

  • Routine –Try to keep a steady routine every day. Even a simple schedule like breakfast, exercise/play outside, school work, outside play, then lunch helps kids know what to expect and helps them feel safer.
  • Praise –Time-out is helpful for kids who are acting up, but remember to also notice and praise kids when you see them being good, kind and helpful. Even a few minutes of special play time with your child can be a great reward for them.
  • School work first –Getting school work out of the way in the morning is often easier than trying to turn off the TV or take away games to start school. If they know that they get to play as soon as school work is done, it can help kids want to get done more quickly.
  • Connect –Help children keep in touch with family and friends through the phone or video chats. They can make a video or draw pictures and send a photo of that picture to family or teachers through a text message.
  • Exercise –Make sure children have time to be active several times per day. Going on walks in the neighborhood, running around the yard, or even exercising along with child-friendly YouTube videos can help.
  • Healthy food –Eating regular meals, drinking lots of water, and eating healthy food like fruit for snacks can help keep their energy level more consistent through the day compared to the spikes and grumpiness that can happen after eating some snacks or treats. While special treats can help their mood, making sure they have regular meals is also important. Having them help cook some of the food may make them more willing to eat it.
  • Sleep –Getting some extra time to sleep in each morning can be very nice, but it is important to keep a steady bedtime routine. Having a good night’s sleep helps everyone’s mood in the family.

How To Help Children Through Changes, Scary TimesEspecially when there are potentially scary events in the community, it is important to check in with kids to see what they are worrying about and help them understand in a way that is right for their age.

  • Ask –Always start by asking what they think is going on and what they might have heard. Often they will surprise you by what they know, but they may be worried about something that is really not a problem and you can help them feel better about those fears.
  • Explain –Sharing true information is important so a child can understand the importance of not playing with other children and washing their hands. Still be careful to tell them about the problem in a way they can understand and not be too scared about.
  • Limit media –While we all want to hear and see what has happened, it is important to be careful what your child may be seeing in the news or on social media.
  • Show people helping –Showing news stories and talking with your child about all the people who help in scary situations can help them feel safer.
  • Find ways to help –Children love to help, so giving them some ideas of things they can do will help them feel like they are not powerless in a scary time. Together you can plan basic safety things like washing their hands. You can also talk about drawing pictures or making cards to thank the helpers. Your child may even want to look through their toys or books or clothes to donate to people in need.

And, remember, if your child keeps feeling very scared or has trouble sleeping because of fear, you can talk with your pediatrician’s office or look at healthychildren.org for more ways to help.

Emily Brandt, MD
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician
Anna Shaw Children’s Institute
Hamilton Health Care System

Filed Under: Anna Shaw Children's Institute, COVID-19, News, Parenting Tagged With: anna shaw children's institute, behavioral health, children, covid-19, parenting, routine

Respuestas a las preguntas comunes sobre el COVID-19

April 15, 2020

Respuestas a las preguntas comunes sobre el COVID-19

¿Qué es un paciente que dio POSITIVO al COVID-19?

Un paciente que dio positivo al COVID-19 es un paciente que tuvo un resultado positivo confirmado a la prueba para detectar el COVID-19. Actualmente, hay que esperar un promedio de 5 a 7 días para recibir los resultados, (aunque en estos momentos puede tomar unos 7 días debido al volumen de pruebas que llegan al centro). Un paciente que dio positivo podría estar en casa recuperándose u hospitalizado, según la gravedad de los síntomas.

¿Qué es un PRESUNTO positivo?

Un presunto positivo es un paciente que muestra signos de tener el COVID-19, pero aún no recibe los resultados de la prueba confirmando el diagnóstico. Un paciente que está muy enfermo puede ser hospitalizado para recibir atención y los asociados y el personal clínico seguirán procedimientos de precaución como si el paciente fuera un positivo confirmado. Si el paciente está lo suficientemente bien como para recuperarse en casa, se le enviará allá con instrucciones para su atención y de seguir las normativas de la cuarentena. Se le notificará al paciente cuando se reciban los resultados de su prueba. A un presunto positivo solo se considera como un positivo confirmado después de recibir los resultados de la prueba. De nuevo, en la actualidad hay que esperar de 5 a 7 días para recibir los resultados.

¿Por qué hay que esperar tanto para recibir el resultado de la prueba? ¿No dijo alguien que había una opción de prueba rápida?

La opción de prueba rápida estará disponible pronto en todo el país, pero todavía no lo está. Esto no es solo un problema de Hamilton Medical Center; es a nivel nacional y es por eso que un paciente se considera un “presunto positivo” si los síntomas y la enfermedad indican que lo más probable es que tenga la enfermedad. Hasta que la prueba más rápida esté disponible, hay que esperar un promedio de 5 a 7 días para recibir los resultados de la prueba actual.

He oído que Hamilton tiene más pacientes con COVID-19 de los que ha reportado el hospital. ¿Es eso cierto?

Tenemos pacientes en nuestro hospital que se consideran “presuntos positivos” y que están recibiendo tratamiento como si fueran positivos, según los protocolos, y también recibimos más resultados de pruebas cada día, por lo que la cantidad de positivos puede cambiar diariamente, o más a menudo a medida que la enfermedad se propague en la comunidad. Estamos publicando recuentos de pruebas en nuestro sitio web para mantener informada a la comunidad, pero recuerde que estos recuentos cambian con frecuencia y solo se incluirán los pacientes cuyas pruebas se hayan realizado en Hamilton. Visite HamiltonHealth.com/covid-19 para obtener las últimas actualizaciones sobre las pruebas de detección del COVID-19 en Hamilton.

*Recuerde que los recuentos publicados en nuestro sitio web solo reflejan las pruebas realizadas en Hamilton Medical Center y no en otros centros de atención médica o en el Departamento de Salud.

¿Cuándo se reportan los resultados de las pruebas en el sitio web del Departamento de Salud (DPH)?

El COVID-19 es una enfermedad de notificación obligatoria, lo que significa que si el hospital u otra entidad de atención médica que provee pruebas para la detección del COVID-19, como el Departamento de Salud, obtiene un resultado positivo, deberá notificarlo al Departamento de Salud (DPH). El DPH informa al público diariamente los resultados positivos de las pruebas por condado.

¿Por qué los números que aparecen en el sitio web del DPH no siempre reflejan la misma cantidad de casos positivos de los que he oído hablar?

Tenga en cuenta que los resultados de las pruebas pueden tardar de 24 a 48 horas en actualizarse, dependiendo de la hora del día en que se reciban.

¿Son los resultados positivos de Hamilton Medical Center sólo un recuento por condado?

No, el recuento por condado se basa en el condado de residencia del paciente. Por ejemplo, un residente del condado de Whitfield al que se le realizó la prueba en otra instalación no se incluirá en los recuentos de casos positivos de Hamilton, sino en los números del condado de Whitfield
que lleva el DPH. De igual forma, si los residentes de otros condados buscan atención en Hamilton Medical Center, esos números aparecerán en los totales del condado en el que reside el paciente.

Además, si un paciente recibe una prueba del Departamento de Salud o de otro centro de atención médica, esas pruebas no aparecerán en los resultados de Hamilton Medical Center, sino que aparecerán en los números del condado en el que reside el paciente.

Por último, si un residente está en su casa en cuarentena voluntaria, con síntomas leves a moderados, por lo que requiere atención médica, es posible que esa persona no trate de hacerse la prueba o que le hayan dicho que debe suponer que los resultados de la prueba darán positivos y que debe ponerse en cuarentena. Esa persona no formará parte de la cantidad de pruebas realizadas o de la cantidad de pruebas con resultados positivos, dado que el DPH solo está notificando los resultados positivos.

Fui a la sala de emergencias del hospital para que me hicieran la prueba, pero me enviaron a casa y me dijeron que me pusiera en cuarentena. ¿Por qué no me hicieron la prueba?

Seguimos las directrices del Centro para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) y del DPH. Si una persona llega al departamento de emergencias con fiebre y síntomas respiratorios compatibles con el COVID-19, será evaluada. Si los síntomas no son graves, es posible que la persona no tenga que hacerse la prueba, en cuyo caso, el departamento de emergencia le dará instrucciones para vigilar los síntomas y ponerse en cuarentena para ver si los síntomas empeoran o si la fiebre continúa.

Estoy preocupado y solo quiero que me hagan la prueba, o mi empleador dice que necesito una nota del médico para poder faltar al trabajo. ¿Puedo ir al hospital para que me hagan la prueba de detección del COVID-19?

Es importante que las personas que están bien y sin síntomas del COVID-19 no vayan al departamento de emergencias a hacerse la prueba. Hamilton sigue las directrices para las pruebas del CDC y del DPH.

¿Por qué no nos dicen dónde trabajan, viven o han estado los pacientes con resultados positivos para asegurarnos de que no hayamos estado expuestos?

Esa es una buena pregunta e indica una cosa muy importante: la gente está preocupada y eso es comprensible, pero lo más importante a recordar es que si usted está fuera de su casa o no está poniendo en práctica las normativas de distanciamiento social, es válido suponer que estará expuesto, si es que ya no lo ha estado.

Todos los proveedores de atención médica deben seguir las protecciones de privacidad como parte de la Ley de Portabilidad y Responsabilidad de los Seguros Médicos (HIPAA). Incluso, si pudiéramos darle información identificable sobre los pacientes y cada lugar en el que han estado, hay personas en la comunidad que pueden estar enfermas y nunca tener síntomas lo suficientemente graves como para buscar atención, lo que significa que la exposición se da con personas que tal vez nunca vendrán a Hamilton Medical Center.

Hamilton Medical Center no es el único centro de atención médica que realiza pruebas para esta comunidad y algunas personas que podrían tener el COVID-19 están en cuarentena para monitorear los síntomas sin que se le hagan las pruebas. No se incluirán los casos a los que no se le haya hecho la prueba en los recuentos de pruebas con resultados positivos.

Se notifica a los pacientes que tienen resultados positivos y se les pide que notifiquen a las personas con quienes pudieron haber tenido contacto.

Quédese en casa, excepto para atender sus necesidades esenciales. Siga las normativas del distanciamiento social. Asuma que estará expuesto si no sigue estas normativas.

Recuerde que el número de casos seguirá aumentando y aumentará rápidamente si no se siguen las medidas del distanciamiento social. Todos tenemos un rol que jugar en la reducción de la propagación del COVID-19.

Una vez más, visite HamiltonHealth.com/covid-19 para obtener las últimas actualizaciones e información importante sobre el COVID-19 y las pruebas de Hamilton para la detección del COVID-19. Ningún tipo de seguimiento ayudará si las personas no mantienen el distanciamiento social. Quédese en su casa. Mantenga el distanciamiento social.

El distanciamiento social es la mejor manera de prevenir la exposición o al menos de reducir el riesgo de  exposición y es responsabilidad de todos mantener dicho distanciamiento. Una vez más… Quédese en su  casa. Mantenga el distanciamiento social.

Filed Under: Community, COVID-19, Health & Wellness, News Tagged With: covid-19

COVID-19 Update

March 31, 2020

I'm fighting for you!Hamilton Medical Center, along with the full Hamilton Health Care System, is extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from our community, friends, family, neighbors, and industry as we work together to provide the best care for our community and work to slow the spread of COVID-19. As is happening around the country, our community is seeing an increase in  the number of COVID-19 positive and presumed positive cases. While we are hopeful that the numbers in our area will remain as they are, we all know that simply is not the reality. That is why preparation is key, and why it is often difficult to answer questions about the specific numbers of cases – both recovering at home and those who have been admitted to  the hospital. These numbers change, sometimes rapidly, and whatever numbers we see now, we know those will surely increase day-by-day and moment-by-moment. What does not change is that COVID-19 will continue to spread rapidly if we do not all practice social distancing guidelines. That includes the assumption that being out in public around others will continue to result in exposures.

 

Tests completed and results received are updated daily on our website: HERE. Please remember, these are only tests from Hamilton Medical Center. It does not include other entities in the area that may be testing. Please see the Common COVID-19 Questions sheet for more information.

 

Hamilton VentilatorsOther questions we have received relate to the number of ventilators on hand and whether we have enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Hamilton has been preparing  for expected needs and we currently have 35 critical care ventilators. (Hamilton would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Dalton State College for loaning three ventilators for Hamilton’s use while their students are away from campus.) Hamilton is planning for the long term. That means that despite our best efforts (or any health system’s best efforts), if there is not a focused and determined effort by each and every person in the community to follow social distancing guidelines at all times, no amount of preparation could handle the modeled/projected peak that would result in a higher number of cases. We are extremely grateful to industry leaders and community leaders who have donated PPE or are looking at creative ways to manufacture this equipment and other supplies to get us through an influx of COVID-19 patients. PPE and supplies must continue to be used responsibly, following CDC guidelines, as well as established protocols by Emory and others with science to support means and material of use and limiting exposure. This is how we prepare for not just the cases today, but also what might come tomorrow, next week and next month, and maybe even longer. However, no amount of preparation can ready any health system for the significant spike in cases that would result without social distancing guidelines being followed. In short, yes, we have PPE now. We might not always have enough if we are not all following social distancing guidelines and proper PPE use established by CDC guidelines and other reputable sources.

 

Other consistent questions we are receiving are about the number of cases in the hospital. As mentioned previously, this number changes rapidly. Also, to provide a number of COVID-19 cases in the hospital would not provide an accurate picture to the public. There have been six confirmed positives from tests conducted at Hamilton. Not all of these have required the level of care to necessitate a hospital admission. Also, this does not account for the number of patients who have been tested and are considered presumed positive because results are not yet returned. Finally, it is also impossible to know how many people in our community who are self-quarantining and may have mild to moderate symptoms that did not require medical treatment or testing. In short, providing a number of cases hospitalized would give an extremely false hope that there might not be reason for the community to be concerned. That would be irresponsible. We expect an increase in cases over the next week to two weeks, and possibly longer. We also know that if people are out and about rather than staying home, that number will increase dramatically.

 

What we would like the community to know is how Hamilton is preparing for COVID-19 cases. Hamilton is cohorting patients from the time they enter the Emergency Department. We have devoted care areas and devoted care teams for suspected COVID-19 patients. If someone is determined to need to be admitted, and he or she is suspected of having COVID-19, admission is to a designated COVID-19 treatment area. Whether needing intensive care in our Medical Intensive Care Unit or needing hospital care on a regular floor, Hamilton has specific areas where these patients are treated.

 

STOP-no-visitors-coronavirusFinally, Hamilton would like to remind our community about our no visitor policy. Of course, there are extraordinary circumstances, but we are grateful for the understanding expressed by families that we are doing all we can to protect them and keep them safe as we care for their loved ones. Additionally, we screen every associate and provider at the beginning of each shift, including checking temperature for fever. Any associate who has a fever greater than 100.4 is further screened and sent for testing as medically necessary, following quarantine guidelines as appropriate. Just as with our associates, if there is an extraordinary circumstance where a visitor must enter the hospital, we screen for fever and symptoms as well.

 

In sum, the Hamilton family is doing all we can to protect your family. Whether it is additional ventilators, designated treatment rooms, following appropriate PPE guidelines from the CDC,  or simply caring for our staff and visitors by screening, we are here to serve you. Our service to our community also includes encouraging each and every person to do his/her part. Please follow social distancing guidelines and good hand hygiene. Please don’t overload the emergency room with non-emergency needs. Hamilton Convenient Care locations are available with extended hours, and some of our Hamilton Physician Group primary Care clinics are offering tele-health visits to established patients. There simply cannot be enough said about the dedication and hard work of the front-line staff, facilities, infectious disease, and the entire Hamilton family for how they have pulled together to care for the community. It is our honor and privilege to serve you. You are our family. Be safe. Be well. Thank you for all of your support, kind words and prayers. Social distance.

Filed Under: Community, News, Public Notices Tagged With: coronavirus, covid-19, update

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