Hospital leaders are making quick decisions and being agile during the COVID-19 pandemic, with certain service lines being busier than ever while others sit idle. In the Medical City Healthcare system, some staff are being redeployed where they are needed most while others who can’t be put to work are still being paid, and technology is changing how physicians interact with admitted patients.
Medical City Healthcare has a workforce committee that has been meeting daily to evaluate the skills, education, and competency of staff members to match them in one of the system’s 16 North Texas hospitals where they are most needed. Other staff who aren’t being put to work are receiving 70 percent of their pay for up to seven weeks.
Because the system has uniform procedures and equipment, the transitions have been smooth, though new team members are receiving additional education and support as necessary. When needed, the system is using the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement in Frisco for additional training and simulations to prepare staff for their new roles.
In order to deal with potential shortages of equipment, staffing, and supplies, adjustments are made daily. “Our response includes balancing our readiness to care for patients with COVID-19 while continuing to make sure the many other patients who depend on our hospitals receive needed and timely care,” Medical City Healthcare said via statement.
If a patient has been identified to have a respiratory illness, emergency departments are advised to move to a virtual visit to reduce risk to others and conserve PPE. This virtual triage is used to determine if patients need to be tested or can return home without further interaction.
The hospital has continued to limit hospital entry, and universal masking is required for all colleagues. Patients and visitors are also asked to wear a mask while in public areas. Physicians are also using technology to round and interact with admitted patients, which reduces exposure and improves access for admitted patients. “Medical City Healthcare has taken proactive measures to help ensure the health and safety of our patients, visitors, colleagues and community,” Medical City Healthcare said via statement.
