Showing posts with label Emergency Preparedness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emergency Preparedness. Show all posts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Additional Swine Flu Updates
This letter is an official statement from South Davis Community Hospital regarding our current prevention measures for Swine Flu:
April 30, 2009
Dear Friends and Family Members,
As you are likely aware, cases of a novel strain of Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus, or S-OIV, have been reported in adults and children within the United States.
South Davis Community Hospital, in collaboration with State and Federal agencies, is closely monitoring the current situation and will provide you with updates as new information emerges.
It is important to follow recommendations that have been provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and to avoid unnecessary panic or worry. The WHO has currently advised focusing on increased surveillance, early detection, and early treatment.
While not everyone who presents with a respiratory illness will have swine influenza, it is important to note that current cases of swine influenza have an acute fever associated with at least two of the following symptoms:
Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough
Nasal congestion
If a resident presents with an acute fever and at least two respiratory symptoms, a surgical mask will be placed on the resident, if possible. The resident may be moved to a private room or cohorted with another resident who has influenza type illness. A viral culture should will also be ordered from the lab.
You can help mitigate the risk of spreading S-OIV and other infections by:
Frequently wash your hands (either with soap and water or an alcohol hand rub).
Follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette:
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing – sneeze into your sleeve
Use tissues to contain respiratory secretions and dispose of them in the nearest waste receptacle after use
Perform hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol hand rub after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects or materials
Avoiding social contact, especially with those who may have been exposed to influenza or are symptomatic.
In order to promote the health of our residents and employees, SDCH has asked that family members, friends, and other visitors refrain from entering the building if they exhibit symptoms associated with influenza, including sudden onset of fever, sore throat and cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose, or have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of S-OIV.
Please be advised that this information may change as we continue to learn more about this strain of influenza. SDCH has pandemic influenza plan and a functioning committee that meets regularly to discuss and implement the plan as circumstances require. In addition, many of our nursing managers have received training regarding pandemic influenza from FEMA. We will provide you with additional information as it becomes available. You can also visit these websites to learn more about influenza:
www.pandemicflu.gov
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
http://www.who.int/en/
Thank you for your understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
South Davis Community Hospital Administration
Scott Anderson, RN, Director of Nursing
Laura Toney, RN, Infection Control
Lisa Pearson, RN, Disaster Committee Chairperson
April 30, 2009
Dear Friends and Family Members,
As you are likely aware, cases of a novel strain of Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus, or S-OIV, have been reported in adults and children within the United States.
South Davis Community Hospital, in collaboration with State and Federal agencies, is closely monitoring the current situation and will provide you with updates as new information emerges.
It is important to follow recommendations that have been provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and to avoid unnecessary panic or worry. The WHO has currently advised focusing on increased surveillance, early detection, and early treatment.
While not everyone who presents with a respiratory illness will have swine influenza, it is important to note that current cases of swine influenza have an acute fever associated with at least two of the following symptoms:
Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough
Nasal congestion
If a resident presents with an acute fever and at least two respiratory symptoms, a surgical mask will be placed on the resident, if possible. The resident may be moved to a private room or cohorted with another resident who has influenza type illness. A viral culture should will also be ordered from the lab.
You can help mitigate the risk of spreading S-OIV and other infections by:
Frequently wash your hands (either with soap and water or an alcohol hand rub).
Follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette:
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing – sneeze into your sleeve
Use tissues to contain respiratory secretions and dispose of them in the nearest waste receptacle after use
Perform hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol hand rub after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects or materials
Avoiding social contact, especially with those who may have been exposed to influenza or are symptomatic.
In order to promote the health of our residents and employees, SDCH has asked that family members, friends, and other visitors refrain from entering the building if they exhibit symptoms associated with influenza, including sudden onset of fever, sore throat and cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose, or have been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of S-OIV.
Please be advised that this information may change as we continue to learn more about this strain of influenza. SDCH has pandemic influenza plan and a functioning committee that meets regularly to discuss and implement the plan as circumstances require. In addition, many of our nursing managers have received training regarding pandemic influenza from FEMA. We will provide you with additional information as it becomes available. You can also visit these websites to learn more about influenza:
www.pandemicflu.gov
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
http://www.who.int/en/
Thank you for your understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
South Davis Community Hospital Administration
Scott Anderson, RN, Director of Nursing
Laura Toney, RN, Infection Control
Lisa Pearson, RN, Disaster Committee Chairperson
Swine Flu Updates
The following letter was received from the Utah Health-Care Association regarding the swine flu including steps the state is doing to help prevent wide spread infection and things you can do personally to stay healthy:
S-OIV (Swine Flu) Situation Report
Utah Public Health
5/1/2009
Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated the name of the virus to Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus or S-OIV.
Status summary as of Wed, April 29:
Utah:
Public health is reporting:
0 confirmed 1 probable case of S-OIV
Influenza-like illness, as reported by sentinel providers, is currently at 0.67%, below the outbreak level of 1.72%.
U.S. and World:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting the following world situation for swine influenza and the CDC for the U.S.:
• United States 91 confirmed cases 1 death
o This is 27 cases more than yesterday
o Cases detected in California, Texas, New York City, Ohio, Kansas, Arizona, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada
o The death was in a 22 month old child in Texas
• Mexico 26 confirmed cases 7 deaths*
• Canada 6 confirmed cases 0 deaths
• New Zealand 3 confirmed cases 0 deaths
• United Kingdom 3 confirmed cases 0 deaths
• Spain 2 confirmed case 0 deaths
• Israel 2 confirmed cases 0 deaths
* The WHO only reports confirmed deaths. There are many deaths that are being attributed by the media to this outbreak. This situation report will only reflect cases that are confirmed.
Alert phase:
The WHO alert phase is 4: A novel virus capable of sustained human-to-human transmission. This increases the risk of a pandemic, but is not yet considered a pandemic.
Travel Advisories:
At this time, the CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. The WHO is not advocating restricting travel.
Public Health Activities:
Guidance:
Several new interim guidance documents have been published by the Centers for Disease Control:
• Specimen Collection, Processing, and Testing for Patients with Suspected Infection
• Emergency Use Authorization of Medical Products and Devices
• Clinician Guidance on Identifying and Caring for S-OIV Patients
• Clinician Guidance on Prevention and Treatment in Young Children
• Biosafety Guidelines for Lab Workers
• Guidance on Case Definitions for Investigations of Cases
• Guidance for Airlines Regarding Flight Crews Arriving from Areas Affected by S-OIV
• Guidance for Airline Crews in Identifying Passengers Who May Have S-OIV
• Clinician Guidance on Pregnant Women
Other Activities:
• New tests have been developed to identify this virus.
• Distribution of antivirals and medical supplies has begun to all states.
• The vaccine development process has begun.
Things You Can Do to Stay Healthy:
Community Activities:
• Be aware that community-level “social distancing” or “keeping our distance” from each other will lessen the spread of flu.
• When the disease enters a community, social distancing measures such as school closures, teleworking, etc. may be recommended as a means of limiting spread.
Personal Activities:
• Stay home from school, work, and other social gatherings when you are ill.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Consider developing a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing extra food, medicines, facemasks, and other essential supplies.
S-OIV (Swine Flu) Situation Report
Utah Public Health
5/1/2009
Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated the name of the virus to Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus or S-OIV.
Status summary as of Wed, April 29:
Utah:
Public health is reporting:
0 confirmed 1 probable case of S-OIV
Influenza-like illness, as reported by sentinel providers, is currently at 0.67%, below the outbreak level of 1.72%.
U.S. and World:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting the following world situation for swine influenza and the CDC for the U.S.:
• United States 91 confirmed cases 1 death
o This is 27 cases more than yesterday
o Cases detected in California, Texas, New York City, Ohio, Kansas, Arizona, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada
o The death was in a 22 month old child in Texas
• Mexico 26 confirmed cases 7 deaths*
• Canada 6 confirmed cases 0 deaths
• New Zealand 3 confirmed cases 0 deaths
• United Kingdom 3 confirmed cases 0 deaths
• Spain 2 confirmed case 0 deaths
• Israel 2 confirmed cases 0 deaths
* The WHO only reports confirmed deaths. There are many deaths that are being attributed by the media to this outbreak. This situation report will only reflect cases that are confirmed.
Alert phase:
The WHO alert phase is 4: A novel virus capable of sustained human-to-human transmission. This increases the risk of a pandemic, but is not yet considered a pandemic.
Travel Advisories:
At this time, the CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. The WHO is not advocating restricting travel.
Public Health Activities:
Guidance:
Several new interim guidance documents have been published by the Centers for Disease Control:
• Specimen Collection, Processing, and Testing for Patients with Suspected Infection
• Emergency Use Authorization of Medical Products and Devices
• Clinician Guidance on Identifying and Caring for S-OIV Patients
• Clinician Guidance on Prevention and Treatment in Young Children
• Biosafety Guidelines for Lab Workers
• Guidance on Case Definitions for Investigations of Cases
• Guidance for Airlines Regarding Flight Crews Arriving from Areas Affected by S-OIV
• Guidance for Airline Crews in Identifying Passengers Who May Have S-OIV
• Clinician Guidance on Pregnant Women
Other Activities:
• New tests have been developed to identify this virus.
• Distribution of antivirals and medical supplies has begun to all states.
• The vaccine development process has begun.
Things You Can Do to Stay Healthy:
Community Activities:
• Be aware that community-level “social distancing” or “keeping our distance” from each other will lessen the spread of flu.
• When the disease enters a community, social distancing measures such as school closures, teleworking, etc. may be recommended as a means of limiting spread.
Personal Activities:
• Stay home from school, work, and other social gatherings when you are ill.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Consider developing a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing extra food, medicines, facemasks, and other essential supplies.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Swine Flu Preparations
Administration at Barton Creek is aware of the situation involving the swine flu epidemic and wants to assure you that as a facility, we are prepared to prevent and control the spread of infection in our building. Over the course of the past year we have received flu-specific training in which we have prepared a series of actions we intend to take as potential pandemics approach our vicinity. Some steps involve our staff and residents directly while others apply to families and friends. Currently we are requesting your compliance with the following procedure:
The Infection Control nurse at South Davis Community Hospital suggests visiting the following sites to obtain further information concerning the swine flu:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
www.pandemicflu.gov
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/individuals.pdf
http://www.who.int/en/
In order to protect the health and well-being of our residents, please do not enter the building if you or anyone in your household have the following symptoms:We wish to emphasize that while we do not specifically fear our facility is in immediate danger we do believe that preparedness and prevention is the very best approach to this situation. If you have questions concerning our policies and procedures please feel free to contact the front desk. You can also expect to receive frequent updates on this blog. Thank you for respecting our residents and our requests.You may visit again if your symptoms are gone AND it has been at least 7 days since the onset of symptoms.
- Fever
- Sore throat and cough
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Nasal Congestion
- Muscle and joint aches
The Infection Control nurse at South Davis Community Hospital suggests visiting the following sites to obtain further information concerning the swine flu:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
www.pandemicflu.gov
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/individuals.pdf
http://www.who.int/en/
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Barton Creek Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Plan in Action
The Inn on Barton Creek, part of South Davis Community Hospital Campus (SDCH), which includes Orchard Cove, and South Davis Home Health/Hospice, wish to update residents and families on our efforts for an effective Emergency and Disaster Plan.
Barton Creek is aware and concerned about the safety of our residents. To better be prepared and educated we have and are participating in the following actions:
1. SDCH management staff recently completed Healthcare Disaster and Pandemic Influenza training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), located in Anniston, Alabama. The CDP is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and is the only federally-chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training facility in the nation.
2. SDCH has a functional Disaster Committee that meets monthly to develop new policies and procedures, implementation and training for all of our staff in Disaster and Emergency plans.
3. SDCH has and does meet all requirements for fire drills and water quality inspections.
4. SDCH staff has been trained for the evacuation of disabled residents.
5. SDCH has purchased special equipment for the proper evacuation of disabled residents for each of our facilities.
6. SDCH is partnering with Lakeview Hospital for Disaster Drills.
7. Monthly tips and information is distributed to all staff members on personal and home emergency preparedness.
We have had many request to provide 72 hour kits to our residents. We have found a company that will be coming to the Resident Council Meeting, March 30 at 1:00 to give a 10 minute presentation for personal 72 hour kits that can be purchased. The cost for the kits will be between $25-$35. We will provide a sign-up sheet at the front desk. Purchase of the kits are optional, but recommended.
The management at Barton Creek is committed to the safety and well being of each of our residents. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts. Please feel free to contact Connie Snow or Nick Ferguson at 801-298-4200 if you have suggestions or questions about our Emergency and Disaster Plan. We will update you periodically on our continuing progress and plans.
Barton Creek is aware and concerned about the safety of our residents. To better be prepared and educated we have and are participating in the following actions:
1. SDCH management staff recently completed Healthcare Disaster and Pandemic Influenza training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), located in Anniston, Alabama. The CDP is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and is the only federally-chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training facility in the nation.
2. SDCH has a functional Disaster Committee that meets monthly to develop new policies and procedures, implementation and training for all of our staff in Disaster and Emergency plans.
3. SDCH has and does meet all requirements for fire drills and water quality inspections.
4. SDCH staff has been trained for the evacuation of disabled residents.
5. SDCH has purchased special equipment for the proper evacuation of disabled residents for each of our facilities.
6. SDCH is partnering with Lakeview Hospital for Disaster Drills.
7. Monthly tips and information is distributed to all staff members on personal and home emergency preparedness.
We have had many request to provide 72 hour kits to our residents. We have found a company that will be coming to the Resident Council Meeting, March 30 at 1:00 to give a 10 minute presentation for personal 72 hour kits that can be purchased. The cost for the kits will be between $25-$35. We will provide a sign-up sheet at the front desk. Purchase of the kits are optional, but recommended.
The management at Barton Creek is committed to the safety and well being of each of our residents. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts. Please feel free to contact Connie Snow or Nick Ferguson at 801-298-4200 if you have suggestions or questions about our Emergency and Disaster Plan. We will update you periodically on our continuing progress and plans.
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