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May 28, 2020
*This is our final COVID-19 Update newsletter. Starting in June, updates related to COVID-19 will be included each week in We Swedish.*
Dear Swedish,
We have reached some important milestones. Last week our surgical volumes reached 100% ofthe volumes we had a year ago, and we are on track to keep those volumes up around normallevels. Meanwhile, we continue to see a decline in our COVID patient numbers, enabling us tomake a safe and careful transition to mixed units of COVID-positive patients and non-COVIDpatients.
Concurrent with these developments, we are scaling back our COVID-focused communications tocaregivers. Today we held the final COVID town hall in our weekly series. Going forward, we willcontinue to hold virtual town halls on other topics, but less frequently. Additionally, this issue of theCOVID Update will be our last. Starting next week, COVID-related news will be shared in WeSwedish.
We want to thank you for taking the time to watch the virtual town halls and read these updates.There has been a lot of information and communication coming your way during this period. Weappreciate your efforts to stay informed.
All of us have pulled together during this difficult time and should be proud of our success incaring for our patients and each other.
Thank you for all you do.
Dr. Lynn Welling, Swedish Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Chris Dale, Chief Quality Officer Margo Bykonen, Chief Nursing Officer
Today's update (5/28)COVID-19 Stats
The Washington State Department of Health reported today: 20,764 cases and 1,106deaths statewide. Latest update was posted on May 27 at 11:59 p.m. Find the DOHupdates here.
Public Health - Seattle & King County reported today: 7,986 cases and 552 deaths in KingCounty as of May 27 at 11:59 p.m. Find the county’s updates here.
The Snohomish Health District reported today: 2,948 cases and 148 deaths in SnohomishCounty as of May 28 at 1:20 p.m. Find Snohomish County’s updates here.
Swedish caregiver and patient stats:
Every Tuesday, we will be sharing the latest statistics on COVID-19 positive caregivers andpatients.
As of May 26 at 5 p.m.:Caregivers tested at Swedish
Caregivers with test results : 1,424Tests positive: 111 (7.8%) - Caregivers who returned to work: 102 - Caregivers currently positive (and away from work): 9
Patients
Inpatient Person Under Investigation (PUI) count: 10Inpatient positive cases: 38
(NEW) BEST PRACTICES FOR “MIXED UNITS” OF PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT COVID
At the height of our inpatient coronavirus census we had moved to COVID designated units wherewe cohorted patients with coronavirus when possible. During that time, some locations did nothave that ability and have since developed expertise in ensuring safety. As the number ofhospitalized patients with coronavirus decreases within our region, we have collected bestpractices for caring for both those with and without coronavirus when hospitalized on the sameunit, what we are calling “mixed units.” These best practices have been published on SharePointunder “protocols and guidance” here.
(NEW) PRE-OPERATIVE AND PRE-PROCEDURE COVID-19 SCREENING CLINICS NOW OPEN
Pre-operative and pre-procedure COVID-19 screening clinics are now open at most Swedishhospital campuses. First Hill, Cherry Hill and Issaquah are operational as of this week. NextTuesday, June 2, Ballard hospital will have its clinic functional as well. Swedish Edmonds pre-operative/pre-procedure specimens are currently being collected through the CommunityResponse Clinic/Urgent Care Clinic. These collections will be converted to a hospital-based clinicduring the second week of June.
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday through Wednesday. Closed on Thursday andFriday. (Note: Swedish Edmonds will have these hours beginning the second week of June.)
Locations for the pre-operative/pre-procedure COVID-19 Screening Clinics are as follows:
First Hill - In the Swedish Orthopedic Institute, first floor in the Pre-Admission Clinic space Cherry Hill - In the main hospital on the first floor in the Pre-Admission Clinic space room 159CIssaquah - In the Medical Office Building (MOB) on the 3rd floor room 3009Ballard - In the main hospital on the 2nd floor in room SW 260Edmonds - Location TBD
Pre-op and pre-procedure COVID-19 screening tests must be completed within 48-72 hours ofthe scheduled surgery/procedure. Results are available by 10 a.m. in Epic the day after thespecimens are collected. Please do not call microbiology requesting results until after 10 a.m. theday following specimen collection.
(NEW) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CAREGIVERS WITH MASK SENSITIVITY
It has come to our attention that some caregivers have been experiencing sensitivity to masks.For caregivers experiencing this sensitivity, the recommended first step is to try a different brandof mask. Different companies manufacture masks with different chemicals and products, soanother brand may offer relief. For caregivers who have tried several different masks and are stillhaving a problem, we encourage you to send a note to [email protected] (it helps toinclude a picture) and we will see if there is a more sensitive mask option available.
(NEW) PPE STATUS UPDATE
Our most recent status report on PPE is available on the IP Sharepoint site here.
(NEW) FACEBOOK THIS FRIDAY: VIDEO GIVES INSIDE LOOK AT KEEPING PATIENTS SAFE
In lieu of our usual Facebook Live Q&A on Fridays at noon, this week we will share a videorecorded with Dr. Marc Horton, Executive Medical Director of Surgical Services, and Mona Locke,Chief Communications Officer. The video will be available on the Swedish Facebook page thisFriday to give the public an inside look at how we are keeping patients safe, from physicaldistancing measures to pre-operative COVID testing. We invite you to watch and to share itthrough your social media channels.
(NEW) VIRTUAL TOWN HALL RECORDING IS AVAILABLE
The recording of our May 28 virtual town hall is available here. Speakers included Dr. LynnWelling (Chief Clinical Officer), Margo Bykonen (Chief Nursing Officer), Dr. Arooj Simmonds(Executive Medical Co-Director of Surgical Services - Anesthesia Chair), Dr. Michele L. Arnold andKeegan Fisher (Chief Human Resources Officer). A big thanks to them and to everyone whoparticipated in the weekly town halls!
CME Credit: This live activity has been approved for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Noplanners or faculty have any relevant disclosures. After the session, goto https://www.swedish.org/claimcmecreditand enter code 223379. Log-in and complete the shortevaluation and attestation to receive credit. Questions? [email protected] For Nurses: AMA PRACategory 1 Credits™ are accepted for Washington State RN Continuing Education requirements(1 CNE hour is equivalent to 1 CME hour). Pharmacy CEUs also available for pharmacists andpharmacy technicians. For all please use the same link provided above.
Did you watch our virtual town halls? Tell us what you think.
On the day of our final scheduled COVID-19 virtual town hall, our leaders would like to know if thismethod of communicating was useful and convenient for caregivers. Please take a moment toanswer nine quick questions. It should take just a few minutes. We're always working to makethese town halls and our communications better – your feedback helps us decide which topics tofeature and what improvements we should make. Take the survey.
(NEW) ONLINE WELLNESS CLASSES FOR CAREGIVERS NEXT WEEK
We recognize this is a stressful time for caregivers, so Swedish Pain Services offers Care forCaregivers, a series of online wellness classes to assist in calming mind and body stress andenhancing piece of mind. Classes next week include the following:
“Bring on the Calm” Tai Chi Movements with Sonja Braasch Monday, June 1, and Wednesday, June 3, 8 – 8:30 a.m.
“Breath Awareness” Mindfulness Meditation with Robert Bailey Monday, June 1, and Wednesday, June 3, 12:30 – 12:50 p.m.
What caregivers and providers need to know UPDATED MASKING GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS RECEIVING CARE
To further reduce the spread of COVID in the hospital and to keep our patients and caregiverssafe, please follow the following masking guidance if patients’ respiratory status can tolerate amask and there are no medical contraindications:
1. All patients should wear a mask to contain secretions during transport throughout thehospital (if tolerated).
2. Have COVID+/PUI patients wear a mask (if tolerated) when caregivers enter their room toimprove source control and reduce possible transmission. Patients do NOT need to keep amask on while in their room alone.
a.) Provide education to patients/visitors on how to wear and don/doff a mask.b.) Provide hand hygiene education. Universal masking efforts are more effective whenused in combination with frequent hand washing (soap/water) or alcohol-based hand rub.
Facemasks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has troublebreathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the maskwithout assistance.
DAILY SHIFT MONITORING TO SCREEN COVID-19 SYMPTOMS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance on proactivelymanaging and monitoring asymptomatic healthcare workers. For the past months, Swedishcaregivers have tracked symptoms on paper. Previously, this process has been managed byindividual units or departments. The Swedish Information Services team has led efforts totransition this process to a 30-second online survey. Learn more.
FREE PARKING EXTENDED FOR MASS TRANSIT RIDERS AND CARPOOLS
Due to the continuing impact of COVID and the ongoing need to avoid mass transit, daily parkingcharges will continue to be waived through the end of June for caregivers who aretransitioning from mass transit and/or in a carpool or vanpool. For moreinformation, click here, email [email protected] or call 206-386-2235.
Swedish Media Spotlights Remdesivir for 5 or 10 Days in Patients with Severe Covid-19 (New England Journal ofMedicine)
Local girl turns cancelled birthday into gift (Q13)
Other items and announcements Accommodations for patients with hearing loss: It is required that patients with hearing lossreceive communication accommodations during medical encounters andhospitalizations. Supporting documentation can be found on the Interpreter Services intranetpage.In addition to these accommodations, SMG Audiology has outlined several easy ways toimplement communication modifications that can be made by caregivers to further enhancepatient understanding. Please contact SMG Audiology at 206-215-HEAR if they can be ofassistance. Please note: Swedish will be adding clear surgical masks to its inventory for use byproviders who treat patients who depend on visual cues for effective communication. Stay tunedfor workflow and additional details.
Swedish photo of the day!
Additional reminders Archived Daily COVID-19 Updates: Looking for something previously posted on the DailyUpdate and cannot find it? Click here.
HIPAA reminder: Please be mindful that all patients are protected by the Health InsurancePortability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which prohibits the sharing of Protected HealthInformation. All Swedish staff and caregivers are expected to respect patient privacy whileproviding care.
CDC OverviewWashington State DOHPublic Health – Seattle & King CountyJohns Hopkins Global Cases real-time tracking map
Swedish
COVID-19 SharePoint site Yammer site
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