Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean General Hospital Thursday shared information related to local cases of COVID-19. According to hospital officials, OGH has one patient who tested positive for COVID-19 and three patients under investigation, while BRMC does not have any positive cases. However, BRMC does have one patient under investigation.
Officials noted that the Cattaraugus County Department of Health confirmed seven positive COVID-19 cases, while the McKean County Department of Health continues to report one positive case.
“The lack of testing kits throughout the U.S. continues to be an issue and therefore, the lack of confirmed cases probably isn’t a true measure of COVID-19 activity in our communities. Therefore, it is important for our patients and residents to practice social distancing, staying home unless necessary, practicing good hand hygiene, etc., to prevent the spread of this virus,” said William Mills, MD, senior vice president, quality and medical affairs, UAHS.
A new shipment of masks arrived this week, allowing officials to move forward with implementing universal masking among all BRMC and OGH staff.
“We moved to universal masking to protect our healthcare workers from exposure to infected patients who may be asymptomatic or have not yet tested positive, as well as to protect patients and staff from others,” Dr. Mills said.
Communication via telemedicine
The hospitals’ practices at Foothills Medical Group, Omega Family Medicine and Bradford Regional Medical Services are offering phone and telemedicine appointments to patients who prefer to stay home during the pandemic. Patients interested in an alternative appointment should contact their primary care provider. Please note that not all appointments can be done via phone/telemedicine. Please contact your provider for more information.
“Offering this alternate way to see your provider is our response to support social distancing,” Jeff Zewe, president, chief executive officer, UAHS, said.
Positive interaction during the pandemic
Officials noted the community has shown both hospitals a lot of love and kindness through this pandemic. As previously mentioned, groups are making homemade face masks and donating PPE, people have had food delivered from area restaurants to our front line staff and local companies are producing face shields on 3-D printers.
In addition, Intandem donated 1,000 square feet of storage space for the hospital to store supplies or equipment.
The Bradford Hospital Foundation and Olean General Hospital Foundation have established COVID-19 Response Funds. Officials explain that donations to this fund will be used to directly support front line staff as they face this pandemic. Funds raised will stay with each respective hospital. For more information, or to make a donation, contact the BH Foundation, 814/362-3200,www.brmc.com/foundation, or the OGH Foundation, 716/375-7445, www.ogh.org/foundation.
Finally, officials issued a reminder that the New York and Pennsylvania governors have issued business and school closings in an effort to keep people at home. According to hospital staff, this really is an important step to help slow the spread of the illness. Medical staff are working tirelessly to prepare and care for patients. Taking preventative measures are vital to help healthcare facilities manage patient care during this pandemic.
While these restrictions can be emotionally and financially frustrating but it’s important for area residents to do their part to keep yourself, your family, your friends, and your neighbors safe and healthy, according to UAHS officials.
