Weekly Progress Notes June 3

COVID-19 Updates

New Protocols Coming to All Public-Facing Areas

Suburban Hospital is currently evaluating all public-facing areas, clinical departments, staff break rooms and other shared spaces as we prepare to resume elective procedures and provide other services to the public. Changes we are working on include removing some furniture, placing decals on the floors marking 6-foot spacing, installing plexiglass on public interaction areas and more. These changes will continue to serve as reminders about the safest way to protect ourselves and our patients while providing safe care. 

Providers must continue to be vigilant in practicing safety protocols, including wearing a mask when entering the hospital and throughout your shift, as well as showing your badge to Security and wearing it throughout your shift. These safety practices will remain in effect for the foreseeable future and we must all do our part to further prevent the spread of disease.

 

Montgomery County Enters Phase 1 of Reopening

County Executive Marc Elrich announced that Montgomery County moved into phase 1 of reopening effective Monday, June 1 at 6 a.m. Please continue to practice social and physical distancing, wear a mask when out in public and practice thorough hand hygiene.

 

End-of-Life Visitation 

A maximum of 2 visitors total (NOT 2 visitors at a time) are permitted for a visit at end-of-life. Please review the policy for visitors of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 at Suburban Hospital for end-of-life or other circumstances. 

 

Patient Testing

Any patient being admitted to Suburban is now being tested as a Patient Undergoing Asymptomatic Testing (PUAT). These patients receive an urgent test, which may not be resulted before they are transferred to an inpatient unit. These patients are not PUIs and may go to a non-COVID unit for care. In caring for these patients, you should wear your surgical mask and face shield. Download the COVID-19 testing procedure and testing algorithm for additional guidance.

 

Self-Monitoring 

Please download and continue to use this self-monitoring log. You can also download the JHM emocha Health self-monitoring app from the app store and follow the instructions sent via text message to enable remote clinical monitoring and engagement. The Employee COVID-19 Call Center (ECCC) is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week and can be reached at 443-287-8600 or 833-546-7546 to answer questions and schedule testing at Suburban’s drive-through site.

 

PPE Reminders 

Universal masking remains in effect for all parts of the hospital. Anyone who enters a patient room must wear an N95 mask and face shield. Staff can get a new N95 mask if your current one is damaged, does not fit well, is soiled or moist, or has been worn for more than 3 shifts. Contact your nursing supervisor for a replacement mask. Staff are also able to get a new face shield if the one you have is damaged or cracked. Security in the North Building Main Lobby can give you a new one and also refill hand sanitizer bottles.  For additional guidance, see the FAQ on when to replace your N95 respirator and download this handout for tips on protecting your skin under N95 and elastomeric respirators.  

If you wear a Draeger, avoid getting excess solution on the filters when disinfecting by squeezing a portion of the excess fluid in the trash. Also, please do not wear a PAPR in any public areas, such as the café or concourse. Only wear them in care areas.

Welcome to Philip Ridley, Director of the Office of Spiritual Care

Please welcome Philip Ridley as Director of the Office of Spiritual Care at Suburban Hospital. Philip served in the Navy for 29 years, 17 of which were spent as a Command Chaplain. He also spent three years at the National Naval Medical Center (now known as the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center), providing spiritual support and counsel to critically wounded and ill warriors, veterans, families and staff, as well as participating as a patient advocate on the critical care, trauma, med/surge and oncology units. 

We are excited to have Philip on board. His unique background in pastoral care and counseling in a hospital setting and the military will be a tremendous asset to our patients, their family members and staff. Philip will be working with various departments to address the spiritual, religious and emotional needs of the Suburban community. Please reach out to him at pridley1@jhmi.edu or 301-896-3178.

 

Standing in Solidarity Against Racism and Inequity

From witnessing how the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects different populations, to its economic impact felt worldwide, the past few months have been a tremendous burden for all of us to bear. And recent events remind us that we are vulnerable to senseless violence, even during a pandemic. Read a letter shared over the weekend from Johns Hopkins leaders urging that we stand in solidarity against racism and inequity.

Suburban Hospital Celebrates National Community Health Improvement Week

June 1–5 is National Community Health Improvement Week. In fiscal year 2019, Suburban Hospital conducted over 2,553 events reaching 75,062 individuals as part of its comprehensive set of initiatives, programs, screenings and special events to promote and support community health improvement, with a value to our community of nearly $29 million.