By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County Hospital staff knew it was only a matter of time.
On Thursday, the hospital got its first two cases of COVID-19. That does not change the practices of the staff or the safeness of patients, according to Cristy Walton, vice president of development at Wood County Hospital.
“We have the proper PPE protocols,” Walton said Thursday afternoon. “Everyone is prepared to handle this.”
“We’ve been waiting for this to happen – the processes were already in place,” she said.
As of today (April 2), Wood County has 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Eleven of those people are hospitalized – two at Wood County Hospital. The others not hospitalized are isolated at their homes.
Walton said it could not be released if the two COVID-19 patients at Wood County Hospital are on ventilators. She also said the hospital could not release if the patients were brought in by local EMS.
Hospital CEO Stan Korducki said while the number of COVID-19 cases are growing in Ohio, it’s at a lesser speed than in other states that didn’t act as quickly to order people to stay at home.
“We’re still escalating, but the curve is much, much flatter,” he said. “In the next couple weeks, we’ll see more patients for sure.”
Because of shortages, the local COVID-19 tests are being reserved for patients who exhibit symptoms of the virus, and hospital staff and first responders who care for them.
The staff at Wood County Hospital is holding up well under the strain that all medical facilities are now facing, Korducki said.
“We are prepared to treat these people,” he said. “We’re really serious about it. We’re professionals and they’re holding together.”
Walton said the hospital has reported the cases to the Ohio Department of Health, which does a thorough check on who the patients had contact with recently.
“We are following all the CDC guidelines,” she said.
Walton assured local residents that Wood County Hospital remains a safe place for patients.
“We want our community to feel safe to come here – because they are safe,” she said.
The hospital has been planning for the coronavirus since January. That includes monitoring PPE supplies of masks, gloves and gowns.
“We have an order in for PPE. That’s an ongoing saga,” Walton said.
The hospital is also working with Battelle, a company that sterilizes masks.
“We already had an agreement with them,” Walton said.
The hospital has also been trying to stock up on ventilators. As of Friday, the hospital had 43 available.
Hospital staff members have increased cleaning, especially on surfaces that are frequently touched.
Elective surgeries have been delayed. And to limit exposure and protect patients and staff, no visitors are allowed and everyone entering the hospital will have their temperature taken.
Korducki is hopeful a true treatment will be found soon for COVID-19.
“We’re not quite there yet,” he said.
