Some additional changes will be coming to Upper Allegheny Health System hospitals on Monday.
In a media call Thursday, Dr. William Mills, senior vice president of quality and professional affairs, explained that starting Monday, outpatient surgery patients will not be permitted to have someone wait inside the hospital for them.
“The patient will be dropped off,” he said. The person accompanying them will leave a phone number where they can be reached, and they will be called with an update and when the patient is ready to leave. “We will do the same thing on the hospital side.”
UAHS has stopped all routine dental work, and will begin screening employees on Monday by taking their temperature when they arrive to work.
“Since the virus is not prevalent here, we have a little time to get our logistics in, so our screening people can get set up and moving,” Mills explained. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 or above will be told to return home.
As far as dental procedures, Mills said emergency work will still be performed. “Most of the dentists have closed up shop. We don’t want people with dental emergencies going to the emergency room and maybe getting exposed to something.”
While some hospitals have stopped performing scheduled surgeries, Mills said UAHS hospital aren’t there yet. “We are going to continue to offer medical services as long as it is safe.”
He added that a lot of personal protective medical equipment is in short supply nationwide.
“We have quite the supply and a stockpile, but the plan is not to use a mask for tooth cleaning when it could be used for someone who is really sick,” he explained.
Mills explained earlier in the week that much of the protective equipment is made in China, and with factories having been closed because of the outbreak of the virus, it is in short supply.
He said, too, that being partnered with Kaleida helps UAHS a great deal in this time of crisis.
Jeff Zewe, president and CEO of UAHS, spoke up to commend the management, physicians and staff of UAHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is Zewe’s first week on the job leading the health system.
“The dedication and commitment is just amazing,” Zewe said. “They are making the engine run.”
He said every person whose career is dedicated to helping others wakes up each day with a bit of anxiety “because it takes a special kind of person to take care of others. All of this coordination is just wonderful to see.”
Mills gave a brief overview of the pandemic worldwide, saying in Europe, a disturbing trend is emerging. “The 20 to 24 age group is getting sick and having some of the medical complications that we’ve seen in the older populations.”
He added, though, that treatment isn’t dependent on a positive test. The treatment remains rest, fluids, Tylenol and in severe cases with breathing problems involved, a hospital stay with a possibility of a ventilator. “It’s supportive care. There’s nothing we can do that combats the disease.”
Scientists are continuing to work on developing medications, but as of now, the best thing to do is use preventive precautions.
