ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PEDIATRICS 21:

We have moved back to being open with our normal hours. The office is currently seeing plenty of well visits as well as few sick visits or we can set up appointments through Telehealth. If visiting the office we will have gloves and masks for anyone who may need them. Please practice good hygiene and avoid big crowds. Check back on our web page for any updates. Thank You Pediatrics 21!

For More Information on COVID-19 in Children, Please See Our Latest Blog Post

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

M E M O R A N D U M        PLEASE POST

TO:

All Employees, Medical Staff and Boards of Trustees

FROM:

Cornelio Catena

Chief Executive Officer

DATE:

Oct. 20, 2014

SUBJECT:

Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness

I know you are all very interested in the actions we are taking to prepare for any potential case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at Commonwealth Health. While we believe the likelihood of a case here remains very low at this time, we have taken our responsibility to prepare seriously. I appreciate the constructive input many of you have shared with members of our leadership team as we round in the facility. Your questions and feedback are most welcome and we will continue to round often to ensure that you have all the information you need. I also want to provide the following information about our plans.

 
   



Commonwealth Health is committed to creating a safe environment for all patients, employees, physicians and visitors who come to our hospital. Our clinicians are using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) screening guidelines with any patients presenting with EVD-like symptoms and we are prepared to identify, isolate, test and transfer if indicated. Our work to coordinate with local and state health departments and the CDC is ongoing and we will continue to follow their guidance.

While all of our caregivers must be aware of the screening criteria and are receiving training, we are also identifying which physicians and staff will serve on a defined EVD response team to provide direct patient care should a suspected case be identified. Our response team will receive specific and focused training on isolation procedures, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other guidance including specimen handling, waste management and facility issues. CDC-recommended PPE including fluid impermeable gowns, facemasks with shields, gloves and more are available as needed. Our preparation efforts are being reviewed and discussed with each of our staff members in our staff meetings, change of shifts and intensified departmental rounding.

In addition to training and providing our team with the necessary resources, we are focusing our clinical efforts on prompt identification of potential cases, immediate isolation and determination of the need for testing through our local and state health departments and the CDC. Should there be confirmation of a positive case of EVD, we will provide safe care to our patients, protect our employees and arrange for transfer to a facility that can provide the appropriate environment of care, all in conjunction with the CDC.

I am very proud of the care that we provide for our community at Commonwealth Health and of your professionalism and dedication you demonstrate every day. As you know, the preparations for EVD are a dynamic and rapidly evolving process. We stand ready to provide a safe work environment for our staff and remain alert and ready to provide care to our community.

If you have any questions regarding our preparedness, please contact me, your supervisor or department manager, or our infection control nurse

575 North River Street | Wilkes-Barre, PA 18764-0001

570-552-3006 | Fax 570-552-3030

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