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  • Archives for covid

covid

Hamilton Medical Center Offering New COVID-19 Treatment

March 8, 2021

A new COVID-19 treatment, bamlanivimab, that recently began being offered by Hamilton Medical Center (HMC) may help certain patients from developing a more severe case of the disease.

The research so far shows that for certain people, taking this drug may help limit the amount of virus in the body. This may help their symptoms improve sooner — and they may be less likely to need to go to the hospital.

Dr. Lee Connor
Dr. Lee Connor

“We’re excited to be offering this treatment,” said Lee Connor, MD, infectious disease specialist. “It can be a lifesaver for certain patients and provides a greater chance for them to recover at home. It also could help Hamilton by helping curb the influx of COVID patients coming to the hospital with severe disease and requiring admission.”

The drug uses monoclonal antibodies, laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens, such as viruses.

A new clinic for monoclonal antibody infusion has been set up in an unused space in the Burkett Building, next to the hospital. Patients enter through a dedicated entrance and do not enter the hospital to receive the treatment.

Bamlanivimab is a neutralizing antibody drug. When there’s a virus in your body, like COVID-19, your immune system makes antibodies to fight it off. But it takes time for your body to make antibodies when a new virus is present — and in the meantime, you could become very sick.

bamlanivimab -monoclonal antibody infusion

Bamlanivimab contains man-made antibodies that are similar to the antibodies of patients who recovered from COVID-19. Scientists believe that these antibodies may help limit the amount of virus in your body. This could give your body more time to learn how to make its own antibodies. Bamlanivimab does not have any COVID-19 virus in it.

The treatments are given to high-risk COVID-19 patients, which includes people who are at least 65 years old and those who have medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or cancer. The treatment must be given within 7 days of first symptom, and the earlier the better.

A doctor referral is needed, and all appointments for the clinic are scheduled, no walk ins.

Bamlanivimab is an investigational medicine, authorized for emergency use by the FDA. There is a vast supply of the drug. It is not authorized for the treatment of patients who are already hospitalized due to COVID-19 or require oxygen therapy as a result of the disease, according to the FDA.

At this time, the federal government is distributing antibody supplies at no cost to patients. However, insurance is billed to cover the cost of administering the drug.

If you think you might qualify, talk with your doctor to decide if this treatment is right for you.

“Though these treatments are available, vaccines remain the best hope to ‘burn out’ the pandemic,” said Connor.  “But that will require 70-80 percent of the population to be vaccinated, and those who have already had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. When it’s available for you, I encourage you to take it. It’s very safe and very effective.

Connor also said that masks, social distancing, frequent handwashing and avoiding large group gatherings are still extremely important to keep the virus under control.

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Filed Under: Community, COVID-19, Excellence at Hamilton, Health & Wellness, News Tagged With: antibodies, covid, healing, infusion

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

Quinton Memorial Holds Social Distancing Parade for Residents, Family Members

May 19, 2020

Quinton Memorial Health and Rehabilitation hosted a parade for residents and family membersQuinton Memorial Health and Rehabilitation hosted a parade for residents and family members on May 1. Visitation has been restricted since early March to protect residents from COVID-19.

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.

“When I got the call from Quinton, I was overjoyed,” said Eileen Stone, daughter of Veronica OMahoney, a Quinton resident. “I haven’t been able to see my mom since early March. I just think it was the best idea ever.”

Since the visitation restrictions began, Stone said she and her mom have been writing letters back and forth every week.

According to Stone, her mom was obviously excited about the parade. “She (OMahoney) had the biggest smile on her face and was holding out her hands to us,” Stone said. “It was heartwarming to see all the smiling faces. It was the best!”

Stone said she is very thankful for the Quinton staff members. “They’re the most caring group of caregivers. I appreciate them more than they know,” she said.

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 rules.

Quinton Memorial Health and Rehabilitation hosted a parade for residents and family membersQuinton Memorial Health and Rehabilitation hosted a parade for residents and family members

More than 50 vehicles, including a Dalton Fire Department fire truck and Hamilton Emergency Medical Services ambulance, were part of the parade. Most vehicles included multiple family members, and some included pets.

“I loved the parade,” said Marie Dann, a Quinton resident since 2011. “It was good to see my two sons even if I couldn’t touch them. I wouldn’t change a thing. Everyone was having a good time and the staff were wonderful.  Let’s do it again!”

 

All of the Hamilton Long Term Care facilities are planning family parades. Quinton Memorial was the first one scheduled.

Quinton Memorial Health and Rehabilitation hosted a parade for residents and family members Quinton Memorial Health and Rehabilitation hosted a parade for residents and family members


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Filed Under: Community, COVID-19, Hamilton Long Term Care, News Tagged With: covid, dalton, family, parade, Quinton, social distancing

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