Moving Forward FACTS WITH
When it comes to COVID-19, anyone can attest it’s been tough keeping up with all the uncertainties and evolving clinical guidance that has surrounded this novel virus.
Sydney Staten Coordinator, Saint Francis Joint Replacement and Spine Center
60
saintfrancis.com
Yet, here’s a fact on which you can depend: Since the coronavirus’ earliest days, Saint Francis Health System has—and will continue to be— focused on keeping our community as safe and healthy as possible. When the pandemic arrived in our area earlier this year, recommended safety and infection control protocols were already in place at every Saint Francis campus and facility within the surrounding area.
OVER FEAR The Show Must Go On “Even at the height of COVID-19, our surgical services never totally shut down since Saint Francis treats high acuity patients. It was imperative that we continued to provide care for those in dire need. Efficient testing, stringent safety and infection control processes were immediately put into effect to protect patients, visitors, as well as our staff members from being exposed to— or exposing others to COVID-19,” says Madonna Newcomer, executive director of surgical services for Saint Francis Health System. “In addition to anesthesia, administration and our surgical leadership group, this multi-layered response required tight collaboration with additional departments throughout the health system to get the job done. It’s been amazing to see that level of teamwork, as well as how Saint Francis’ leadership has been handling the whole COVID-19 situation. To me, it’s truly been phenomenal.”
“It goes without saying in every instance, social distancing, masks and hand hygiene are mandatory with everyone on the unit. We make certain it is a very safe environment. People ask if I’d feel comfortable if one of my loved ones was a patient. My answer is unequivocally ‘Yes!’” — Sydney Staten
