Owensboro Health announced Thursday they will be following a four-phase approach in reopening their services, and they’ve already taken the first steps.
In phase one, which has already begun, diagnostic services like X-rays and laboratory services are being conducted under new regulations. Phase two will begin May 10, while the last two phases are expected to start in late May and early June, respectively.
OH is following the lead from state officials with a careful, methodical approach. According to Chief Medical Officer Francis DuFrayne, each phase will depend on the number of new positive cases being reported, as well as the number of hospitalizations coming into Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
“Each phase brings us closer to pre-COVID operations, but benchmarks must be met to continue to the next phase,” DuFrayne said.
At the request of the Kentucky Department of Public Health and the state government’s office, visitor restrictions at Owensboro Health will stay in place throughout each of the four phases, DuFrayne said.
Each person coming into the hospital will be screened for signs of COVID-19. In addition to a temperature check, those entering the hospital will be asked if they’ve had any symptoms of the virus.
Last week, the CDC added six additional symptoms: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell as well.
Individuals will have to wear masks inside all Owensboro Health facilities, DuFrayne said.
Phase two will begin allowing some elective surgeries and procedures to take place.
However, only patients who are able to leave the hospital on the same day as their procedure will be eligible. Patients must be tested for COVID-19 three days prior to their procedure. All patients with negative results can proceed to surgery. Those who test positive will receive a call from Owensboro Health with instructions for the next steps.
DuFrayne said he predicts a percentage of people will test positive prior to their surgery, though many of them may not be showing symptoms.
“Don’t let that surprise you,” he said. “What we don’t want to do is bring it into the hospital, or any facility, and spread it.”
Phase three will begin May 25 if phases one and two are successful and there is a low or manageable amount of COVID-19 hospitalizations. At that point, OH will resume inpatient procedures at the discretion of the COVID-19 steering committee.
Phase four will begin June 1 if the first three phases are successfully completed. This phase will allow OH to resume inpatient procedures at “pre-COVID isolation levels.”
The COVID-19 steering committee will prioritize outpatient surgical cases, making considerations for previously canceled or postponed cases, the need for PPE and its availability, specialists’ prioritization, and operating room availability.
Physical distancing will continue at all OH locations, and unconventional approaches, such as parking lot lobbies, will continue when possible. Only incapacitated or pediatric patients may be accompanied by a visitor, and telehealth will continue to be used whenever possible, DuFrayne said.
Because the hospital must have a reserve capacity of 30% in case there’s a surge of COVID-19 cases, OHRH will be operating at limited hospital admission capacity.
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
