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Update: July 28, 2021

—FOR INTERNAL COMMUNICATION ONLY—

Thought of the Day: “People who throw kisses are hopelessly lazy.” – Bob Hope

State COVID-19 Stats
  • 527,253 (up 25,759 since July 26)
  • 6,797 positive test results (up 1,248 from last single day volume)
  • 10,934 deaths (up 106 since July 26)
  • 1,390 hospitalized
  • 127 COVID-19 patients on ventilators
  • The New York Times published an article yesterday ranking Tangipahoa Parish as the No. 2 county/parish in the U.S. for COVID-19 volume. We have 122 cases per 100,000 people, which is an increase of 248%. Our daily case average is 165. In the U.S., Tangipahoa Parish is No. 2 in terms of volume of positivity. This has a lot to do with our low percentage of vaccinations.
NOHS COVID-19 Stats
  • Tested 30,866 with 40 tests pending (up 342 since July 26)
  • 4,386 positive test results (up 101 since July 26)
  • 1,240 patients recovered (up 14 since July 26)
  • Overall positivity rate is 14.2%, and for July, our positivity rate is running at 24%.
    • NOMC:
      • 74 hospitalized (down 2 since July 26)
      • 16 COVID-19 patients on ventilators (up 1 since July 26)
      • 4 deaths since July 23
    • NORH: 19 patients (0 COVID-19 positive); 2 possible patient admissions
    • Hood: 14 hospitalized (1 COVID-19 positive); 3 COVID-19 positive patients in the Emergency Department waiting on transfers to an acute care hospital; 3 employees out monitoring
Staffing and Volume
  • Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Peltier, and President/CEO Michele Sutton participated in a conference call with the Governor, LDH Secretary and other CEOs and CMOs across the state yesterday. Dr. Peltier reports that other hospitals and health systems are in the same or similar boat as us, but we seem to be about 1 week ahead with respect to surge and numbers. However, others are now experiencing dramatic rises in cases. Unfortunately, we are probably in one of the hottest spots for COVID-19 cases in the nation right now. A bright spot is that in the last day or two, the numbers locally have not increased with the same rapidity as in days prior. Please hang in there! Dr. Peltier noted that when he is rounding early in the morning, it makes him so proud to see how dedicated our entire team is to asking what they can do to help address this surge.
  • We are on diversion for everything but trauma and stroke.
  • MICU 2 remains open with 2 patients.
  • The ER is currently boarding 4 patients.
  • Medicine Unit I continues to be used for ER Infusion for COVID-19 positive patients. The service is currently offered from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Yesterday, we completed 8 infusions, and Monday, we completed 7 infusions.
  • All non-emergent elective surgeries have been suspended at NOMC. Requests for exceptions are being made on a case-by-case basis. For now, the Surgery Center remains open to care for patients and has expanded hours to include Fridays. Vice President of Surgical Services Terri Lewis reports that we have 11 surgeries at NOMC, 26 at the Surgery Center, 1 Cath Lab case and 1 Endoscopy case today. We will make decisions about next week’s schedule on tomorrow, Thursday, July 29.
  • All committee meetings remain suspended until further notice unless ongoing business necessitates convening. Epic User Group Meeting travel is suspended as well due to high COVID-19 numbers here at North Oaks. We need all hands on deck.
  • Visitation guidelines that became effective July 22 remain in force.
  • Chief Nursing Officer Kirsten Riney reports that staffing remains extremely tight, and supplemental staffing plans remain activated. The House Supervisor is in charge of all supplemental staffing needs for nursing units and is working closely with the Chief Nursing Officer on this effort.
  • Chief Financial Officer Mark Anderson reports that we continue to do extremely well with supplies, and Vice President of Finance Will Branson reports that the requisition process put into place on Monday, July 26, also is working well.
  • Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau reports Employee Wellness has returned 4 employees back to work since July 26. This leaves 57 out monitoring symptoms at home (9 RNs; 0 respiratory therapists).
Vaccinations
  • Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau reports that we have received several requests for additional on-site immunization dates for staff. In response, beginning Thursday, July 29, we will provide on-site appointments for those interested in receiving the Pfizer vaccine. Vaccine administrations will take place in the 5th Floor Conference Room of the NOMC 5-story Tower as follows:
    • Thursday, July 29, 7:30–9 a.m.
    • Tuesday, August 3, 1–2:30 p.m.
  • Scheduling for employee on-site vaccines is now available at https://empvaccine.nohs.org. You will automatically be scheduled for the second dose exactly 3 weeks after your first does at the same time of day. Please be sure to print and complete the attached consent form to bring with you to your appointment. A completed consent form will be required for both doses. If you have any questions, please contact Employee Services Director Tracy Pettigrew at ext. 5714 or Employee Wellness at ext. 5706.
  • Tomorrow, July 29, the Ponchatoula Walk-In Clinic will begin sharing the COVID-19 vaccination load with the Hammond location by scheduling vaccine appointments Monday-Sunday in response to high demand in the community at https://covidvaccine.northoaks.org. To give you a better picture of increasing public demand for vaccines, Hammond administered 80 on Monday and 104 yesterday.
  • This Saturday, July 31, the North Oaks Foundation will conduct its COVID 100 Immunization Clinic in partnership with local business leaders and elected officials. Almost all 500 appointments have been claimed as of 10 a.m. today. Participants in this clinic will receive $50 cash after receiving their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and $50 cash after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Aug. 21. If appointments remain for the COVID 100 initiative, they can be scheduled at https://covid100.northoaks.org.
Infection Prevention
  • Infection Prevention Manager Amanda Morse reminds everyone:
    • NO double masking.
    • Discard N95 mask after a single use.
    • Discard ear loop mask when soiled or when suspected contamination has occurred. Don a new mask as soon as possible.
    • NEVER put mask or other used PPE items down on work surfaces or on top of equipment.
    • Clean your work surfaces frequently. Never assume someone else has done the disinfection.
  • Thank you for all your continued attention and support you are giving to our Infection Prevention efforts! If you have any questions about specific recommendations or concerns, please contact Infection Prevention Manager Amanda Morse at ext. 6414 or Infection Prevention Nurse Ashley Foster at ext. 6440.
Public Relations/Communications
  • Dr. Robert Peltier continues to make himself available to answer COVID-related questions from employees and members of the public. Questions can be submitted to him at info@northoaks.org.
  • With Dr. Peltier, President/CEO Michele Sutton and regional media partners’ assistance, Public Relations Coordinator Melanie Zaffuto reports that messaging continues in support of you -- our health care heroes – as well as vaccination as the best defense against severe illness. Regular updates are being provided by Tangi 96.5 FM, KSLU 90.9 FM, AN17.com, WDSU TV, FOX 8, WWL TV and The Advocate.

We continue to be more and more impressed with and inspired by your level of teamwork and engagement. It’s evident we are one big family helping each other. It is very heartwarming to see your love and support of one another. Thank you all, and keep up the great work!

—FOR INTERNAL COMMUNICATION ONLY—