Indiana hospital adds screenings, prepares for Ebola outbreak
GREENFIELD, Ind. (Oct. 15, 2014)-– A central Indiana hospital is making changes to prepare for a local Ebola outbreak and protect its patients and workers.
Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield opened its doors to FOX59 and showed us the new procedures in place that include new screening methods at every entry point.
“One of the main things is the screening process and looking at travel history regarding any patient that enters our facility,” said Darla Carter, the hospital’s Infection Control Manager.
Patients will undergo a series of questions about their symptoms and answer whether or not they have recently visited Africa.
If hospital workers suspect Ebola, Carter said that patient will be isolated immediately and moved into one of seven negative air flow rooms in the hospital. Those rooms have a separate ventilation system that keeps the air inside the room from entering into the rest of the building.
Workers would then call in the State Department of Health.
The hospital has also directed the county’s 911 Emergency Operations Center to screen callers seeking medical help.
“We’re just asking the question, ‘Have you been out of the country in the last few months?’ explained Director John Jokantas. “That’s basically just to protect our public safety. If the answer to the question is yes, obviously that’s gonna have them respond in a different way.”
Jokantas said the new screening procedure was implemented on Monday and should not affect response times.
FOX59 contacted the Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA) to see what they think of the preparations and training hospitals are providing to protect their healthcare workers. For the most part, the organization is in full support of their actions and is also trying to keep its members informed of the latest CDC updates.
“ISNA has the utmost confidence that healthcare providers in Central Indiana are eager to take part in learning the protocols that are going to protect healthcare workers and keep patients safe,” said Blayne Miley, Director of Policy and Advocacy for ISNA.
The CDC has announced changes to the guidelines when it comes to the gown hospital workers wear when treating patients with Ebola. The new gown includes a hood that covers the neck, a second layer of gloves, and a fluid-resistant leg and shoe covering.
Carter said Hancock Regional has already placed an order for that new gear and will train medical staff on how to wear it and help others put it on.
“It’s all about our patient and associate safety, so yeah we’re just doing everything we can do,” said Carter.
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