William Newton Hospital Establishes COVID-19 Isolation Unit, Restricts Visitors

Apr 03, 2020

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William Newton Hospital emergency department staff have been working diligently to convert the old surgery unit, now vacant with the addition of the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center, to an isolation unit for patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms. ****

Like the emergency department, the isolation unit will be open 24/7. It is now on stand-by, ready for an influx of patients. Once open, drive-up screenings for patients seeking emergency care will be implemented.

“The goal is to prevent exposure by having a completely separate area for these patients along with providers dedicated to their care,” explained William Newton Hospital Administrative Director of Ancillary Services and Safety Officer Karen Adamson. “This also allows us to optimize the personal protective equipment we have available by minimizing cross-contamination.”

The hospital elevated its internal alert status in mid-March due to the growing number of case findings in Kansas and Oklahoma. Since then, staff have been preparing for a potential surge in patient volumes.

Adamson recognized Emergency Department Manager Cari Buresh, BSN, RN, and Operating Room Manager Lindsey King, RN, for their ingenuity in retrofitting the space.

“Across the board, William Newton Hospital staff have approached this challenge with creativity and dedication. Lindsey and Cari are no exception,” commented Adamson.

The isolation unit has its own outside entrance located off Park Street on the east side of the hospital. It includes a triage room and two treatment rooms. The air supply is also isolated from the rest of the hospital.

“We know the virus can be aerosolized. The old surgical unit presented the perfect opportunity for us since it was on a separate system,” Adamson said.

All patients presenting for emergency care should use the front entrance as usual. Patients driving-up will be asked to remain in their vehicle for a screening. Walk-up patients will be screened before entering the building. If patients have symptoms matching COVID-19, they will be asked to proceed to the isolation unit. A parking area on the east side of the building has been designated for this purpose. Patients who are unable to walk will be assisted by William Newton Hospital staff.

“We understand this may cause an inconvenience for our patients, but keeping those with COVID-19 symptoms isolated from others is essential to preventing the spread of this virus,” said Ben Quinton, William Newton Hospital CEO.

The hospital and its affiliated clinics have also implemented the following restrictions until further notice:

• All non-staff foot traffic is limited to front entrances of each facility.
• No visitors are allowed; however, one visitor is permitted to accompany pediatric, labor and delivery, and end-of-life patients. In those circumstances, visitors will be screened.
• Anyone entering the facilities will be screened upon entry. The screen may include a few brief questions and a temperature check.
• Outside vendors and consultants are restricted without prior approval.

Before a clinic visit, patients are asked to call first. Hospital patients should call ahead whenever possible as well.

“Even though we have limited access to our facilities, most of our healthcare services are continuing as normal,” stated Quinton. “The Stay Home order does not prevent Kansans from seeking medical care.”

With regards to personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gowns, and gloves, William Newton Hospital is practicing conservation due to nationwide scarcity. Staff have been persistently seeking the resources needed to keep employees safe and care for patients including requesting supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile.

To that end, the hospital has received an outpouring of support from numerous organizations, businesses, and community members. The hospital is accepting donations of PPE, both disposable and cloth.

“The way our hospital and community have come together is extraordinary,” Quinton commented. “We’d like to thank USD 465 Winfield, USD 463 Udall, Cowley College, Walnut Valley Quilters Guild, Graves Drug, Winfield Fire/EMS, KanPak, Winfield Public Library, and the many individuals who have donated supplies or offered assistance in other ways.”

William Newton Hospital urges the public to understand the key symptoms of onset COVID-19 and practice good personal hygiene habits:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Comply with the Stay Home executive order, especially if you are sick
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often, using either soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel for at least 20 seconds
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces