Hospital staff works to meet coronavirus challenges

SUBMITTED ARTICLE

"We recently increased the number of patient rooms that have air-disinfectant units, from four to eight, in our COVID unit here at Antelope Memorial Hospital," said Diane Carlin, AMH chief executive officer. "The units are used to destroy viruses to include COVID-19. Plus, four of the eight rooms have double patient capacities. If needed, this would allow us to care for up to 12 patients with the virus at a time."

Air disinfectant units take in air which is run through a HEPA filter and then passed over an ultraviolet light, destroying any viruses, added Carlin.

"Normally, the unit then blows the air back out virus-free. However, in our patient rooms, we have the purified air blown outside through a tube to create negative air pressure in the room. This keeps any pre-treated air in a COVID patient room from spreading outside its door. It's a great way to contain and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus within the hospital when an infected patient is being cared for."

"In the near future, we're also excited to begin offering in-house testing for the COVID-19 virus," added Carlin.

"This will greatly assist our providers in promptly determining the course of action required for our patients. It will help ensure the best treatments and protocols are followed when patients test positive, and greatly reduce unnecessary treatments and precautions when testing is negative. Originally, our new analyzer was scheduled to arrive in early November. However, it is currently on back order, with an expected arrival date near year's end."

The staff of Antelope Memorial Hospital continues to take many other steps to prevent the spread of COVID directly to AMH's staff and other patients, as well as outside its doors.

Precautions at AMH include wearing appropriate personal-protection gear (masks, shields, gloves and gowns), screenings with temperature checks for all visitors, daily temps and monitoring of all employees, frequent hand-washing and avoiding crowded places, close contacts and confined spaces.

Employees are also encouraged to rest, eat healthy and keep a positive attitude outside of work.

"Overall, it is our intent, and a high priority for our patients, to feel reassured that we are taking added measures to help prevent any possible exposure to COVID-19 at our facilities," Carlin said. "And it's important to remember that postponing needed medical care and routine wellness visits is risky for one's health, too."

Routine wellness visits for infants and children help to keep their immunizations up-to-date, added Carlin. For adults, routine check-ups, colonoscopies and mammograms support the early detection of cancer and greatly enhance the chance for a positive prognosis and outcome. If someone is experiencing chest pain or other heart issues, it could prove to be deadly to ignore the early signs of cardiac distress.

"I am very appreciative of our staff here at Antelope Memorial Hospital," said Carlin. "We have a very loyal and dedicated team of men and women working under extreme conditions. Working in full personal-protective equipment is not easy and can be extremely draining, along with the extra hours that our staff is fulfilling. It's been a team effort and they have met the challenges with courage, grace and in service to others."