LMH Health Preparing For Potential COVID-19 Response
LMH Health is working with Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to closely monitor an outbreak caused by novel coronavirus. COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of confirmed cases in China and in a growing number of countries internationally.
“LMH Health is prepared to respond to potential cases of COVID-19,” said Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO. “Like all hospitals across the country, LMH Health is watching the situation closely. Our physicians and experts in public health and infectious disease have invested substantial time and energy to ensure that we are prepared to handle this and all public health concerns, in tandem with our partners at KDHE and Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. The processes we have in place are intended to keep our providers and community safe, while providing the best care to patients.”
Procedures are in place to treat patients with suspected COVID-19 are intended to minimize exposure.
“Individual risk is dependent on exposure,” said Johnson. “For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is low. Patients who are concerned they may have COVID-19 should call their primary physician before coming to the clinic or hospital.”
Patients who come to the hospital with suspected COVID-19 will be placed in isolation in a room specially designed for infection prevention.
Daily preventive care is key in preventing the spread of infection. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Johnson said that it is also important that community members obtain their annual influenza vaccination, if they haven’t already.
Additional preventive measures include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow to avoid spread of droplets.
- Staying home if you are sick and communicating with your physician and work place.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home and at work.
- Practicing healthy habits like getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.
“While we do not believe there is any reason for immediate concern locally, we are taking all necessary precautions,” said Johnson. “As in all cases, we are committed to providing exceptional care for our patients while keeping our community safe.”
This is an ongoing situation, and information is changing rapidly. The best local sources of information about COVID-19 are Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
