Melham Medical Center
BROKEN BOW - Kathryn Decker, MS, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Melham Medical Center reports, so far, Melham Medical Center has not been unduly affected by the DHM limiting elective surgeries. “We have delayed one surgery because of inpatient volume in case the patient would need a bed,” she said.
Melham has a COVID Wing with seven patient beds and an Outpatient Corner. On Oct. 8, Decker reported five positive COVID patients in-house. She added that about four outpatients are treated each day. Outpatients treatment can include the administering of monoclonal antibodies.
Patients are transferred from Melham when a higher level of care is needed. Any patient requiring intubation must be transferred to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Transfers are made for both COVID and non-COVID patients.
“So, far, Melham has been able to get patients transferred. Transfers can take longer than expected,” Decker explained.
Melham Medical Center has been at a red level alert since the first of September. Operations are reviewed, alternatives are considered and Incident Command makes sure there is enough protective equipment, medications, laboratory testing supplies and staff.
Visiting restrictions are also in place which, for right now, means no visitors.
Decker explained for appointments at the Specialty Clinic and Outpatient Services, an escort is allowed only if deemed necessary. There are no visitors for surgery. No visitors are allowed in the emergency department unless an escort is required. For trauma patients, a visitor may be allowed at bedside at the direction of the health care provider.
Decker said contact tracing indicates close contact and crowds are the main factors in contagion of COVID. “I would encourage anyone with comorbidities (more than one disease, chronic or long-term conditions) to mask in crowds especially if unvaccinated,” she said.
It’s flu time and Decker says the CDC has predicted a high flu season, She shared the following CDC comment: “It is likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading this fall and winter. You can have the flu and COVID at the same time.”
Symptom of flu and COVID similar and testing may be required for an accurate diagnosis. Melham has both the PCR blood test (results in 24-48 hours) and a nasopharyngeal swab/rapid molecular test (results in about 15 minutes).
Decker gave high praises for the staff at Melham Medical Center. “They have truly stepped up to the plate to handle the increased acuity and volume of patients we are seeing,” she said. “Each and every one of the staff who have pulled together are true heroes.”