Protecting the community by protecting providers
We’ve seen a few instances of COVID-19 diagnoses among healthcare workers in the region, which can be concerning for our patients and community members. This pandemic, in particular, presents unique and difficult circumstances. It’s challenging to keep frontline providers safe, even under the best of circumstances.
Ensuring the safety of clinicians, employees and patients is our top priority. Here are some of the steps we are taking at LMH Health:
- Following CDC recommendations for infection prevention
- Postponing all elective procedures
- Using Telehealth for patient appointments wherever possible
- Restricting visitors to the hospital and clinics
- Screening and masking all patients, employees and providers upon arrival
- Requiring masks to be worn by everyone at all times in our facilities
- Providing regular reminders to staff about infection prevention protocol and procedures
- Monitoring supply levels for personal protective equipment
Incident Command closely monitors the guidance provided by the CDC and KDHE, and we provide direct and timely communication with our teams here at LMH Health to ensure they are aware of the latest recommendations.
“The nature of this pandemic is such that you can do everything right and still end up with exposure to COVID-19,” said Dr. Christopher Penn, infectious disease physician at LMH Health. “That’s why it’s critical to do everything we can when it comes to infection prevention—including monitoring our employees and providers.”
LMH Health’s policies prohibit employees from working if they’ve had a fever or symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. Employees have been provided education on self-monitoring and are screened before each shift. During the screening, employees have their temperatures taken and an appropriate mask is provided.
“We work hard to ensure that our employees and providers know what to do if they think they’ve been exposed, or if they have symptoms,” said Penn. “Unfortunately, no system is impervious to COVID-19, but a proactive approach may prevent issues from becoming more widespread.”
