Hospital making preparations for rise in coronavirus cases
Jefferson Regional Medical Center has not been immune to the problems associated with a third wave of the coronavirus, but officials say they are in a better position to handle cases now than when the pandemic started.
The state and nation have seen record-breaking numbers of new coronavirus cases, and hospitals have been pressed in many areas of the country as they try to handle a spiking number of cases coming through their doors.
Jamie McCombs, director of marketing at JRMC, said within the past two weeks, the hospital had 27 patients who were suffering from covid-19, which is the most the hospital has had since the pandemic started.
“Now it’s down to 19,” she said this past week. “It’s been up and down, and it just fluctuates.”
Unlike the early days of the coronavirus, however, the hospital and staff are prepared for what they predict could be more cases. They have plenty of protective equipment on hand as well as a good supply of tests, test kits and ventilators.
“I think we are good when it comes to all of that,” she said. “And with winter coming, we are prepared to handle the usual increase in our regular patients as well.”
To make sure the hospital stays on top of the day-to-day changes in the coronavirus landscape, a “covid team” meets every morning in the “covid command center” to assess the day’s situation. The team is made up of medical as well as administrative personnel, McCombs said.
“They look at the covid numbers for the county and the area,” she said, “including other information that has changed from the day before and that we will be facing that day.”
Asked how the staff is holding up, McCombs said “they’ve been amazing” despite the tiring circumstances.
“They just provide the best possible care to our patients every day,” McCombs said. “This has been a lot on them, but they continue to be so positive.”
Testing for the coronavirus is being handled across the street at the urgent care facility, McCombs said, but currently, tests are only being done on those who have covid-19 symptoms. She said, however, that the goal is to be able to provide additional testing, such as for those who think they have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus. McCombs said the hospital has performed more than 4,000 tests so far.
Those wanting to make an appointment to be tested were asked to call 870-541-4911 and talk to a clinical professional who can help individuals determine if they need to be tested.
McCombs also urged the public to get a regular flu shot this year. Doing that will help people avoid the flu, but it will also help them stay out of the hospital at a time when bed space could be at a premium due to the coronavirus.
The threat of the presence of the regular flu this fall and winter at the same time that the coronavirus is spreading has apparently resonated with the public. McCombs said that she had heard from several patients that for the first time in their lives, they had gotten a flu shot this year to avoid adding to the burden on the medical system.