Ohio hospitals concerned with providing care, preparing for surge

Ohio hospitals are preparing and trying to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 that will overwhelm them. "Our concerns at this point are keeping the hospital running efficiently and safely for our patients while at the same time being cognizant of the presence of COVID-19," said Dr. Scott Campbell, of Firelands Regional Medical Center. "We are prepared. We have spent countless days since the initial news that COVID-19 existed preparing our hospital, employees and staff for combating whatever this virus sends our way." Campbell said thanks to initial social distancing in Ohio gave Firelands time to adequately prepare. At Fisher-Titus Medical Center, Matt Mattner, chief operating officer, said the hospital is prepared to respond to an increase of people needing hospitalization for COVID-19. "Fisher-Titus began preparing to respond to the pandemic in February 2020 when the first alerts of the virus were shared with the nation. As the threat grew and we learned more about the coronavirus we prepared and quipped the organization for the expected and anticipated surge," he said. "The surge plans we developed specifically for the COVID pandemic are still valid and reliable for us to implement as needed. Additionally, we purchased personal protective equipment needed to respond to the surge as a part of our overall plan." Another concern is a surge overwhelming the system. "Our biggest concern is for a resurgence that will overwhelm the healthcare system. We are prepared to absorb a surge of patients but depending on the degree of the surge, any system has its breaking point," said Tausha Moore, director of public relations for ProMedica. "It is our hope that if guidelines are followed, the surge will not overwhelm the system, which includes ProMedica Memorial Hospital in Fremont." Moore said ProMedica is planning with its system, local, regional and state healthcare partners to ensure they are prepared. "Plans include virtual PPE (personal protective equipment) stockpiles to help health care partners such as long term care facilities, sharing occupancy, ICU and ventilator usage with the idea in mind to balance patients loads if needed," she said. "At this moment we have adequate supplies of (PPE and ventilators), but depending on how rapidly and to what extent the surge occurs, we could end up with shortages similar to our peak COVID incidence in April-May." Sarah Spears, director of safety & security with Firelands, said in the past six months a team has been working diligently to gather additional PPE supplies. "We have partnered with other area hospitals on supply procurement and have been given some PPE items from the state. Additionally, we have implemented a fogging technology that allows us to reuse the critical N95 respiratory masks a number of times," Spears said. "Regarding ventilators, we are well stocked and additional ventilators can be obtained should the need arise." At the beginning of the pandemic, hospitals had to suspend elective and nonessential surgeries. In May they were able to resume these surgeries. Campbell, Firelands chief medical officer, said elective surgeries are still occurring and they've had "great success in catching up our backlog surgeries." He said they seem to be stabilizing and not having issues with scheduling. Mattner said the inventory of PPE and ventilators is continuously monitored and is in adequate supply. Fisher-Titus is also performing elective surgeries and is not experiencing any delays in scheduling. Moore said additional precautions are being taken for elective surgeries. "We are working through the backlog at a pace that balances safety, necessity and service," she said. "Since the process now requires testing, patient/visitor screening and in many cases, modified process and procedure, we are working very diligently to streamline this experience for everyone while maximizing safety, quality and efficiency." Campbell said many people are fearful of coming to the hospital. "There have definitely been people who have shown up to the emergency department after putting off symptoms of other illnesses," he said. "This seems to be tapering off now that the public is more aware that the hospital is safe to come to, realizing that putting off their healthcare could be much more detrimental than presenting to the hospital for appropriate care." Moore said ProMedica has seen some cases where outcomes could have been better if care had not been delayed by COVID-19 related fears. "Our hospitals and physician practices are very safe places to reive care because of the extraordinary steps we have taken to reduce the spread of the virus and provide a safe environment," Moore said. "Sadly, we have seen some cases in which we feel that outcomes could have been better had care not been delayed." To keep another surge in COVID-19 cases from occurring, Moore said masking, social distancing and handwashing really work. "If everyone would adhere to these practices, then the likelihood of a shutdown will decrease considerably," she said. "The virus is still present in our community and seems to be surging at the moment. Staying ahead of the observed surge can prevent many future cases and deaths. So, everyone should absolutely be masking, socially distancing and washing their hands. "Seventy percent or more of disease transmission can be prevented by wearing masks in public," Moore said. Fisher-Titus and Firelands are both offering virtual telehealth options to speak with their providers without leaving home. "It's important to us that our community understand that Fisher-Titus facilities are open, available and safe palace to seek healthcare. We are taking precautions and following all guidelines at the medical center, ambulatory and outpatient locations, and North Central EMS to ensure the safety of our patients and staff to meet all the needs of the community," Mattner said. Public information officer for Firelands Jordan Sternberg said masking, distancing and regular hand hygiene practices are "a few best-practices" that continue to be the best course of action regarding prevention. "Firelands Regional Health System remains diligent and prioritizes the health and safety of our patients, guests and associates. The public can feel safe coming in for COVID-19 related concerns as well as non-COVID concerns such as a stroke or heart attack, or to any of our facilities for care," Sternberg said.