— from Anne Presson, Orcas and Lopez Public Hospital Districts —
It’s been a few weeks since my last communication to the community, and I’m taking this opportunity to report on and recognize the work of our local providers. They have all done a wonderful job supporting our community as we deal with the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 crisis.
In spite of the challenges and stresses placed on health care systems throughout the country, we are fortunate that our local providers, staff, and EMS teams are doing an exceptional job meeting the community’s health care needs. As a rural area, we have benefited from the connection to UW Medicine.
Here is what Dr. Camille Fleming has to say about the way in which the UW Medicine Orcas Clinic has been able to adapt to the COVID-19 crisis: “Locally, we have benefitted from the sharing of knowledge, experience, and resources of our UW Medicine colleagues and their commitment to the well-being of our patients and health care workers. I am incredibly proud of our local, committed staff and grateful for the support of a great academic health care institution in our rural community.”
My last update provided information on the process to be assessed for COVID-19 testing. Testing through the UW Medicine Orcas Island Clinic continues to be based on the WA Department of Health’s testing guidelines. The providers and RNs at both UW Medicine Orcas Island Clinic and Orcas Family Health Center have done an exceptional job working to ensure adherence and understanding of these protocols. As the assessment process continues to be streamlined, it’s best to call 206.520.5000 for the most current procedures. In the coming weeks,
UW Medicine will roll out a new “chat bot” feature in parts of the system. While we don’t know if this feature will be rolled out locally, the chat bot will be able to ask a series of yes/no questions and either connect callers with someone to schedule testing, schedule a telehealth visit, or provide other recommended actions.
We have also seen both Clinics quickly change how care is being delivered. In order to keep people safe, delivery of care has shifted to telephone and video appointments. This is often referred to as “telehealth,” and you’ll find it’s similar to an in-person wellness appointment with your own doctor. During the visit, you’ll talk about your current health concerns and learn what to do. The benefit of this type of approach is that it allows contact with your physician without having to leave your home. When scheduling a telehealth visit, your provider will share instructions on how to connect using a video-based platform to talk with you by computer, tablet, or arrange to
talk with you by phone.
Both the UW Medicine Orcas Island Clinic and Orcas Family Health Center implemented telehealth in early March, and each reported close to 40 telehealth visits in the first week. Feedback from patients revealed a high level of satisfaction, and the vast majority of patients were able to easily access care via a video or audio connection. If
you would like to learn more about telehealth in general, you can visit the UW Medicine telehealth website. Otherwise, talk with your provider to learn more.
In addition to maintaining business operations for the Orcas and Lopez Public Hospital Districts, I’m also part of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team developing a plan should the County experience a medical surge in COVID-19 cases. San Juan County’s Hot Topic #10 was released this week and provides insights into the County’s plans to address a possible medical surge. While there are many Facebook groups and other sources for information, the County site is the best way to ensure you find accurate reports on developments within our County, as well as links to other trusted sources, without bias or sensationalism.
Access Hot Topics and other COVID-19 resources and support here. I continue to appreciate the support from everyone in our health care community and EMS.
Stay Safe. Stay Home
I see to remember that telemedicine was one of the UW promised updates when our Clinic became part of the UW network.
Well…no other obligations materialized: Digital x-ray machine, for one. So badly needed.
So, Dr. Fleming, I understand and admire your positive feelings about UW’s help during the crisis.
I would be surprised if they continued
their help once the crisis is over.
One can only hope that Ms. Presson and the entire OIHD board will take Dr. Camille Fleming’s comments to heart. The current crisis demonstrates that we cannot pursue a “go it alone” model for health care on Orcas. Our reliance on and partnership with UW Medicine continues to pay dividends for the medical practice and for all islanders. I hope the board will take this into consideration as they pursue a long-term sustainable solution to medical care for our community.
http://drbobmorris.com/2020/04/groceries-in-the-time-of-covid-you-are-the-hazard/?fbclid=IwAR0MgX3Khc4gXT6hJLvor9GEpmoTIqI438X2W09eKPma1PWgThTWRi8tX7A
“Surgical masks were never designed to protect the surgeon. In fact, they are not particularly effective at protecting the wearer against breathing in airborne viruses. That is why health care workers are getting sick and dying. Surgical masks are designed to contain the airborne droplets that emerge when we cough, talk, or even breathe. They are designed to protect the patient.”
“So, the reason we should all wear masks is because WE might be sick, and WE might infect others It has been shown that people shed the virus for about six days before they show symptoms. We can be sick and not know it.”