BATESVILLE, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Health says the risk of Ebola virus being spread to Indiana remains extremely low, but local hospitals are preparing if the situation changes.
Margaret Mary Health has instituted an Ebola Preparedness Plan to identify and treat Ebola patients based on recommended CDC guidelines.
The hospital notified employees this week of the following measures:
- Training front line staff in all of MMH facilities and medical practices on how to screen for at-risk patients and visitors
- Posting Travel Health Alerts at each entrance to educate patients and visitors on what to do if they have Ebola symptoms or have possibly been exposed to the virus (see attachment)
- Training staff on how to safely put on and take off protective gowns, masks and gloves to prevent the virus from spreading, including the use of “buddies” that can help spot any potential risks when removing protective gear
- Designating isolation areas where at-risk patients would be treated
- Setting up a special “Ebola Cart” in the Emergency Services Department
- Conducting hands-on drills so that team members can practice safety procedures
- Reviewing infection control and decontamination processes
- Ordering enough protective gear and supplies to have readily available, if needed
- Consulting regularly with Dr. Steve Blatt, the Medical Director for Infectious Disease at TriHealth in Cincinnati and a member of our medical staff
- Continuing to follow CDC guidelines and protocols
