Hello,
Coronavirus continues to impact communities all over the world, and The Care Group is taking proactive steps to reduce the spread of this outbreak while putting the safety of patients, families, and our employees first. We want to share some changes with you that are being implemented currently.
MINIMIZING INTERACTION
- Curbside supply pick up at the office: When you arrive at the office, call us to speak with a representative at 713-383-2100. You can stay in your car and an employee will load the supplies in for you.
- Non-essential patient visits: Your clinician may reach out to discuss using telecommunication to conduct non essential face-to-face visits.
- Self-reporting symptoms: We ask that you or a household member report any symptoms to your clinician if you have an upcoming visit.
SUPPLY SHORTAGES
We are preparing for an impact to the availability of some medical supplies, equipment, and medicines due to plant closures in China. Currently, The Care Group is experiencing shortages limited to only a few medical supplies, but we are asking you to prepare now for possible additional shortages.
- To help you safely extend the life of supplies, our partners at PHS have created guidelines and instructions for many products. Go to PHSCoronavirusUpdates.com for information on what supplies you can wash and reuse.
- There may be other ways of meeting a need you currently meet with a particular piece of equipment - we are happy to brainstorm solutions if they become needed.
- If shortages arise, The Care Group will work to locate resources for our patients. If it becomes necessary, we will help you work out methods to meet specific needs.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Clinicians will wear appropriate PPE (as recommended by the CDC) when there is a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus in a patient home. Due to limited quantities, PPE will not be available for purchase by the community.
RISK ASSESSMENT & NOTIFICATIONS
The following protocols have been put in place to ensure proper steps are taken by all parties involved in patient care.
- Screening - Clinicians will ask patients a series of questions to determine risk for exposure to coronavirus. Employees must report any possible exposures or symptoms, as well as travel.
- Monitoring - Strict monitoring guidelines are in place for employees if possibility of exposure is determined.
- Responding - When completing an essential in-person visit where exposure risk has been identified, clinicians will ensure appropriate PPE and precautions are executed.
- Notifying - If a patient or employee is being monitored or has tested positive for coronavirus, appropriate parties will be notified and protocols put in place to limit interactions and prevent further exposure.
