NOTICE TO PATIENTS


THE CLINICS ARE OPEN AND FUNCTIONING

None of us has experienced a pandemic before, however, we have successfully dealt with other crises. We expect a successful management of COVID-19. 

The clinics are considered not only mission critical to the Foundation, but also a vital health care operation. For that reason, the clinics will remain open at this time. We have a full staff in the Houston office who are available to answer questions and to help with medication needs. We will continue to come to the office unless the authorities or health department recommend stopping that function. In the event that we cannot get to the clinic, we have a contingency plan where we will be able to answer calls and take care of medications remotely. 

As of today, we plan on also continuing our off site clinics. This can change very quickly, but for now, this is our intent. Remember that we are guests of other organizations in Beaumont, Lufkin, Grapevine and Fort Worth . In those places, we must abide by their rules; so if they chose to close, we will not be able to hold clinic. At the moment, all of those sites are open. Since this is such a rapidly evolving situation, we will communicate any changes with you through telephone or email. 

In clinic, we are practicing social distancing, which means keeping at least 10 feet between people .  We are asking patients to bring only one person with them to the visit so that we can keep our numbers low.  When you come to the clinic, we will immediately take her temperature. If you have a fever, we will have to ask you to leave and go to a primary care doctor for evaluation.  If you have a cough or are sneezing, but no fever, we will ask you to wear a surgical mask.  We may be asking patients who are doing well and have been seen recently to delay their appointments. This is only being done to allow us to comfortably practice social distancing in the waiting rooms. 

We are still getting deliveries of medications from the pharmaceutical programs and hope that will continue. However, we don’t know if that will change in the future. We are ordering as many medications as we can, so that we will be able to get the medications to you. Of course, we can not guarantee that all of the medications needed will arrive, but we are trying our best to assure a good supply. 





For Clinic Appointments:

We ask that if you are sick, sneezing or coughing please do not come in for the appointment. If you aren’t sure about this, please call the staff to discuss. If you want to reschedule an appointment due to the virus, that will be acceptable. 


ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE CALL US

TOLL FREE
1-888-548-9716 EXT 225




Some things we would like you to think about

This is a stressful time for everyone. Stress can worsen seizure control, so it is essential that all of us do whatever we can to mitigate the effects of stress. Some strategies that might work include:

1.         Stay informed. We are in touch with the CDC and Texas Department of Health and Human Services. We follow all of their guidelines. If you hear something that frightens you or doesn’t make sense, please call and let us know so that we can help validate the information. 

2.        Try to practice mindful activities. This means that while you are unable to go places, set a schedule for yourself and try to focus on routine activities. This might be reading, watching television, taking a walk, doing puzzles; any activity that will keep you focused on the activity and not the news. 

3.        Focus on staying healthy. Try to eat well, sleep and of course, take your medications. Keeping yourself strong is a good defense against any virus.

4.        Avoid going to the ER unless absolutely necessary. We always urge you to avoid the ER, but now it is important since your chances of being exposed to a virus (not necessarily COVID-19 ) is increased.  If you are injured, of course go to the hospital. However, if you can manage at home, try to do so. 

5.       Sometimes focusing on others is a good way to relieve the stress. Check on your neighbors, look for safe ways to volunteer if possible. 

6.        Practice good hygiene – washing your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, clean your phone and any electronic devices you use at least twice a day. If you go to the store, try to keep your distance from other people as much as possible. 

7.       Please try to think ahead and give us at least a two week notice for your medications. With the volume of requests we receive and the uncertainty of delivery, we really do need that amount of time to make this work. 

One of the worst parts of having Epilepsy is the feeling that you are alone. We want to try to assure you that we are here and will do whatever we can to make this time manageable for you. We don’t know how long we will be working and living under these conditions, but we are preparing for several months but hoping that it will only be a few weeks. 
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