Alliance Hospice Navigating COVID-19
Alliance’s number one priority is to take every precaution to safeguard our patients, their families and our team. We are strictly adhering to the COVID–19 recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the state and local Departments of Health Services directives. Be assured that the health and safety of our employees, our communities and the healthcare partners we serve will remain our highest priority.
Hospices will continue to play a critical role as we support our hospitals and other health care providers in keeping appropriate patients out of the hospital and safely at home during this unprecedented pandemic. Alliance has implemented strict infectious disease protocols to ensure that the risk of exposure is mitigated for everyone, but particularly for those individuals who are considered most vulnerable and at risk for serious complications from the COVID-19 virus.
Alliance has implemented many processes to support the safety of our team, our clinical partners, and patients since this outbreak began. These processes include daily staff screenings by a registered nurse, education on proper PPE utilization and best infection control practices as well as continued sanitation of all equipment in the field and in our offices. Our team continues to follow social distancing guidelines and has been encouraged to avoid highly populated areas both professionally and personally to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. The telehealth option for patients and facilities, telephonic check-ins to manage symptoms, and virtual support for our partners has been implemented and is being executed in any locations that are able to collaborate to ensure this process. In regards to our network of volunteers we have asked that volunteers stay home, stay safe and support our nation’s effort to flatten the curve of spread.
To be specific on our SAFETY protocols:
Our staff is:
> Equipped with appropriate PPE and instructed to follow CDC guidelines for correct utilization of PPE in order to be responsible users of resources.
> Trained on the importance of universal infection control practices, with heightened awareness of the highly contagious nature of this particular virus.
> Required to report any recent domestic or international travel, any symptoms they are experiencing or illness of any members in their household. As necessary, staff who fall in certain categories will be subject to specific quarantine periods and are managed based on CDC, State and Local guidance.
We have:
> Updated Emergency Preparedness Plans.
> Activated our Emergency Disaster Management Plan to monitor and meet the unique needs of patients.
> Developed comprehensive COVID-19 policies and procedures.
> Created support service teams who will be offering support groups, one-on-one counseling and community education via video conference calls.
> Increased telephonic outreach by support service teams in order to provide emotional support and guidance to patients and their family members/caregiver.
> Engaged our palliative program in Augusta GA to provide continued support to those admitted into the palliative care program. We are extremely active in supporting our community hospitals.
National hospice information can be found at www.NHPCO.org/coronavirus
Alliance Hospice is a trusted healthcare partner and provider in Augusta, Georgia and North Augusta, South Carolina.