Capital Region community members may feel confident in Concord Hospital’s preparation to respond to local cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Clinical personnel are well-versed in infection control processes. Still, the highly contagious nature of this virus calls for a heightened response.
Concord Hospital began operating a modified Incident Command Center in mid-January in anticipation of the spread of COVID-19 in New Hampshire. On Monday, March 2, a full Incident Command Center was activated. The Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) model, which was developed by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, is based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that is used nationwide by all response agencies from the local to the federal level.
Incident Command is leading and managing the Hospital’s COVID-19 response and preparedness measures. Over the past week, we have focused on the following:
— Reviewing infection control processes and modifying, as appropriate, to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors;
— Monitoring personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to ensure the hospital is in the best position possible given the worldwide shortages that are occurring;
— Regularly reviewing and evaluating hospital visitation guidelines;
— Asking travel screening questions at all hospital sites;
— Asking patients who have a fever and report respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath and a cough, to wear masks, which are available at all locations;
— Creating a designated area in the emergency department where patients who present with COVID-19 symptoms will be evaluated by a Concord Hospital Emergency Department provider to reduce transmission risk;
— Conducting COVID-19 testing based upon state recommendations;
— Enforcing quarantine recommendations for all Concord Hospital staff, medical staff, volunteers, vendors and/or students who have recently traveled to a country with an advisory or had close contact with an individual who has traveled to, from or through a country with a COVID-19 travel advisory and have a fever or respiratory symptoms;
— Reaching out to area schools and skilled nursing facilities to answer questions and offer guidance;
— Canceling events and activities where large groups are likely to gather.
Concord Hospital is prepared to do its part; however, there is much that individuals can do to respond to this pandemic, protect themselves and diminish the spread of the disease. Frequent and thorough hand-washing is foundational to preventing illness. In the absence of soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a reasonable substitute. Forgo handshakes in favor of fist or elbow bumps when greeting people. For the time being, re-consider attendance at functions where there are a large number of people gather.
If community members are exhibiting symptoms, they should contact their doctor to discuss the need to be tested for coronavirus.
Most especially, remain calm. This is indeed a challenging time, but there is much we can do both as individuals and as your health system to respond and keep our family and neighbors safe.
For ongoing information about what Concord Hospital is doing, visit concordhospital.org and to learn more about what measures you can take, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or DHHS at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.
(James Noble, MD, FACP Medical Director, Infection Prevention Section Chief, Infectious Diseases, Concord Hospital)