Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Fall 2020

As it appears, COVID-19 will be with us at least through the end of the year, and Bartlett Regional Hospital has some changes in place for the foreseeable future. “We are doing all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” says Chief Nursing Officer Rose Lawhorne. “As a team of care providers we came together, we thought outside the box, we provided alternate ways of delivering care,” she says. “Everybody just worked together in a really amazing way to complete our mission: quality, patient-centered care.” Patients are now pre-screened by phone or telemedicine, and when they arrive at the hospital, registered via an iPad. Viral patients are separated. And providers may communicate by phone with COVID-19 patients from outside a hospital room. Community testing and pre-procedure testing for same- day and elective surgery patients at the Capital City Fire and Rescue site is ongoing. Universal masking began April 1. Several employees are working remotely or a combination of remote and on campus. “It’s a new concept that we had started to consider prior to the pandemic, but not to the degree that we are using it now. It’s working, so we’ll keep doing it,” says Lawhorne. The triage screening tent may remain outside the Emergency Department at least through Spring 2021. If there is a shortage of beds in other parts of Alaska, and no surge locally, Bartlett may consider taking patients from outside of Juneau. “The alternate care site (in the Rainforest Recovery Center) has been demobilized but can be remobilized as needed,” says Lawhorne. Visitor policy Each patient is allowed ONE designated visitor, who should be a spouse or caregiver that resides with the patient in their home. No overnight visitors allowed. ALL visitors are required to comply with universal masking policy. Visitor policy is subject to change. Please call 907-796-8900 before coming to the hospital or with any questions. Noted exclusions to visitor policy 1. The significant other/partner to a laboring mother. 2. The legally authorized representative of a protected/ high-risk patient. 3. One visitor in the event of impending death unless COVID-19 infection is likely cause of death.* 4. Law enforcement. 5. Special consideration should be applied with minor children requiring multiple caregivers from within the family. 6. Dementia or dementia type diagnosis may need special considerations. 7. If the patient is the primary caregiver of an infant who is solely breastfeeding, reasonable accommodations should be made. 8. All attempts to provide clergy as needed or requested and simultaneously support a safe environment will bemade, including teleconnections, outside visitation. 9. Any other exclusions should be approved by Administrator on Call. Exclusions will be documented and distributed to the department caring for the patient by the house supervisor. *In an effort to protect the family from the risk of contracting COVID-19, we will not be allowing visitors in the room with COVID-19 patients unless another exception criterion is met. READY for the long haul “When you are fighting a common enemy, people come together in solidarity and put their best foot forward.” www.bartletthospital.org 3