As the flu spreads across Texas, we are seeing an unprecedented number of patients with the flu and flu-like symptoms. Our ERs and ICUs are full, as well as all of our patient floors.
I realize that this is a very challenging and hectic time and I appreciate everything you do to provide the highest quality of care for our patients and their families.
Clinical
- Please encourage patients who do not absolutely need to be admitted to seek diagnostic outpatient services in conjunction with their physician.
- Please discharge patients who are ready to go home or who don’t require admission as soon as possible. Our beds are full and we need room for our patients with the most serious health care needs.
- Discontinue use of telemetry when possible.
- Discharge patients with clear orders and assist in scheduling imaging and other non-emergency procedures.
- Be sure to isolate patients who are suspected to have the flu so we can protect other patients. Also remind them and their visitors to wash hands and take precautions by wearing masks and gloves to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.
Taking Care of Yourself
- Remember to wash your hands every time you enter or leave a patient’s room, before and after using gloves, and after touching surfaces in patient rooms. Use masks and droplet precautions when directed.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which can decrease germ transmission.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Eat a healthy diet, avoid stress and try to get enough sleep.
- If you are not feeling well, isolate yourself and seek diagnosis at employee health or your physician’s office. For employees, remember that telemedicine is now available to each of us.
Thank you for your cooperation. By doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our patients from flu germs and infections, we keep the patient at the center of everything we do.
You will see the following Flu Notice posters and new Cover Your Cough flyers going up throughout the hospital next week.
