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Update: July 9, 2020

Updated 11:20 a.m., 7/9/2020

  • Due to the uptick in COVID-19 in our area and in the state, we will be providing updates on Tuesdays and Thursdays until further notice.
  • Congratulations to these recently-promoted leaders: Kirsten Riney, CNO; Mac Barrient, NORH Administrator; Edna Scott, Patient Services Director; and Tamara Mitchell, Director of Women & Children’s Services.
  • State Stats: Louisiana has 70,151 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3,231 deaths; 1,022 patients hospitalized and 105 on vents.
    • The Governor has asked all hospitals to use media channels to promote wearing of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing to our communities.
    • Remember that you, as a health care hero, have INFLUENCE! Please set an example in the community by social distancing and wearing masks appropriately. If we take this seriously, our community will take it seriously.
  • North Oaks Stats: We have tested 5,894 people for COVID-19, with 956 positive and 281 pending. We have successfully recovered 244 inpatients. Today we have 24 positive patients in-house, and no COVID-19 patients on vents. Knock on wood – but we haven’t had a COVID-related death since June 18th. Hood has 24 patients today, with one (1) COVID-19 positive.
    • We are seeing more patients between the ages of 18-39.
    • More males are being seen for symptoms.
    • The length of stay is trending shorter.
  • Employee Wellness reports a spike in the number of employees home monitoring symptoms. We were at 70 employees this past Monday, and today we are down to 57. This is the highest total since the week of April 2.
    • A reminder – if you get tested and have symptoms, you must stay home to monitor symptoms until you receive test results. Please remember to inform Employee Wellness of your status, and get cleared to return to duty.
  • It is vitally important that we remain vigilant with safety practices:
    • DAILY TEMPERATURE CHECKS ARE MANDATORY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. Leaders will submit plans to ensure this is happening to their officer by Friday (tomorrow) at noon.
    • Masks must be worn in the hospital. No exceptions. Both the nose and the mouth must remain covered.
    • Please follow hand hygiene protocol – wash hands for 20 seconds/use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day.
    • Eating/drinking in public areas (nurses stations, reception desks) is not appropriate, because masks must be worn at ALL TIMES where you may interact with the public. Masks may be removed in private offices or break rooms.
    • No more than three (3) people are allowed in a break room at one time.
    • Wipe down high-touch surfaces frequently throughout the day.
    • Maintain 6 feet distance when in line in the cafeteria or at PJs.
  • Remember that the families of our patients are under great stress – please be compassionate with them. While visitation is limited, we do make exceptions at end-of-life and other critical situations. When it doubt, ask your nurse manager what can be done to help our patients and families.
  • Supplies are adequate on all fronts, with the exception of molecular COVID tests, which continue to be at the critical level. As such, we are managing that supply carefully.
  • Staffing is good, but as volume of non-COVID conditions increases, staffing is getting tighter in some areas. Please use all precautions to keep yourself healthy (see above).
  • Speaking of volume:
    • OR volume is 75% of pre-COVID volume.
    • Clinic volume is rising, but so is no-show rate as COVID-19 surges.
    • ODC volume is steady at about 300 patients/day.
    • The drive-through testing station performed 65 tests yesterday.
  • Make sure your hurricane boxes are ready to deploy!
  • Be sure to turn in your COVID-19 time sheets. Our update calls qualify as COVID-19 hours.
  • Self-care is important as the pandemic continues. Eat a healthy diet, get rest when you can, exercise and take time to talk with friends and family (while socially distancing). It’s a marathon, not a sprint!