4 minute read
Moving Forward
Moving Forward WITH FACTS OVER FEAR
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.
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. 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.”
Sydney Staten Coordinator, Saint Francis Joint Replacement and Spine Center “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
Ban on Elective Surgeries Lifted When the ban on elective surgeries was lifted for hospitals, research has shown that many patients still had fears and uncertainties about going to a healthcare facility.
“We understand there are concerns— which is precisely why we take testing for COVID-19 very seriously,” says Sydney Staten, coordinator of the Saint Francis Joint Replacement and Spine Center. “To begin with, any patient who is planning a surgical procedure at any hospital in the health system is required to test negative for the virus 72 to 48 hours prior to surgery. That way, everyone can be assured each patient has been tested. In other words, if they are here, they’ve tested negative for COVID-19.”
“It goes without saying in every instance, social distancing, masks and hand hygiene are mandatory with everyone on the unit,” says Staten. “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!’ Patients have been having very successful outcomes. In fact, we have decreased their length of stay at the hospital from two days to one.” Pleasantly Surprised One of the few things that is certain about COVID-19 is that it will likely be around for some time to come. How long is anybody’s guess.
“We know COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere for a while; but, what’s really surprised me is how well patients have accepted this and adapted to the necessary protocols and changes that have been made,” says Dr. Tony Little, family medicine physician at Warren Clinic Glenpool. “For example, E-Visits and Video Visits have been very well received. Of course, the younger patients are familiar with technology and have no problem at all. But, our elderly patients have done great too. I must admit it’s not only the patients who have been pleasantly surprised. It has been wonderful for us too and has provided an opportunity to really connect with our patients in the convenience and safety of their homes.”
Dr. Sharon Little also of Warren Clinic Glenpool has this to say: “I think E-Visits have been a blessing especially with our elderly patients—some of whom live in rural areas. It prevents them from feeling isolated and reassures them that we are just a click or call away. I believe this is yet another example of how Saint Francis honors its mission of extending the presence and healing ministry of Jesus Christ in all we do—even and especially during a worldwide pandemic.” Tony Little, DO Warren Clinic Glenpool Family Medicine
— Sharon Little, DO
