Update: April 3, 2020
Updated 11:23 a.m., 4/3/2020
- It’s Friday, April 3, 2020.
- The nationwide backlog for test results is easing, and we saw an expected
jump in the numbers yesterday. There are 9,150 COVID-19 cases in 61/64
parishes with 310 deaths. There are 1,639 patients hospitalized, with
507 on vents. Dr. Peltier reports that it’s promising that the number
of hospitalizations and vented patients didn’t see nearly the spike
we saw in confirmed cases, and we may be starting to see positive effects
in Tangipahoa Parish from the stay-at-home mandate, as ED volume is down slightly.
- At North Oaks, we have 26 COVID-19 positive patients, 21 patients under
investigation and 12 patients on vents. We have 180 tests pending.
- Population Health performed 35 virtual visits, took 113 calls and saw 68
in the walk-in-clinics (34 with COVID-19 symptoms.) There were 63 tests
done in the drive-through screening line, and there were 29 patients scheduled
for testing as of this morning.
- Employee wellness reports 48 people home self-isolating and monitoring symptoms.
- Supplies are looking pretty good, but we have seen inventory of isolation
masks/gowns dipping.
- Jeff Jarreau will be sending out changes to two policies today regarding
requiring use of our “Return to Work” clinic (which employs
CDC guidelines) during pandemics or national crises. The changes are effective
immediately.
- Planning continues on the MICU 2 unit. We’ll be well-prepared if
we need to use it.
- Twenty-three individuals/companies have donated food for staff –
community support has been awesome.
- Michele announced two new shift incentives for RNs, LPNs and Respiratory
Therapists. Look for details in a separate email this afternoon.
- Region 9 reached out to North Oaks about volunteer docs, nurses and nursing
assistants to help us. We will be working with them to assist with staffing
as needs arise.
- Retail Prescription Center hours change: Starting Monday, the Retail Prescription
Center in the clinic building will be open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
On Good Friday, the Retail Prescription Center located in the hospital
will be open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- The Main Entrance (Signature Building) will be closed this weekend. Employees
should enter through the Tower Lobby from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. or the
Emergency Department 24/7.
- Testing of myChart telehealth functionality continues today in Dr. Charles
Ducombs’ office.
- We do not yet have an airdate for Dr. Oz’ interview with Dr. Sheehan,
one of our awesome ED physicians. We’ll keep you posted.