Friday, May 01, 2020

Good evening to our Natividad Family! Here’s our Friday update:

COVID-19 Testing

As of this morning, we’ve completed 58 tests with our in-house Cepheid equipment. This is making the testing process super quick and smooth. We anticipate getting to 190 tests per day, depending on NP swabs. Great job to our lab and ED on verification and getting this program up and running.

Natividad is also offering pre-screened COVID-19 testing services for eligible County of Monterey employees. Call the Natividad Coronavirus Hotline at (831) 772-7365 or see the attached flyer for details.

ISP

Are stress, burnout and depression affecting you? You are not alone.  These are definitely trying, nerve-racking times, and you are definitely not alone. Check out the attached flyer for the Interactive Screening Program (ISP). You can communicate with a support counselor anonymously and confidentially.  Can't hurt, right?

Matsui Nursery

A huge thanks to Matsui Nursery (again) for the beautiful orchids they shared with our staff this week. And I sure appreciate the Volunteer Auxiliary and HR for helping with handing the plants out to both our day and night shifts. Today, residents, nurses and health care workers visited the nursery as part of our COVID-19 ag outreach education. We hope their employees go home feeling a little more confident and informed about coronavirus and that they help spread the word to their family and friends about how they can prevent the spread of the disease.

ACS

Alternate Care Site volunteers are stepping up to the plate. So far, we’ve heard from 33 people who want to volunteer. While Natividad employees are not asked to volunteer, I wanted to share this website with you. Please share with your friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances who may be interested.

“A” from Leapfrog

Congratulations to our entire hospital staff for receiving an “A” Hospital Safety Grade (again) from The Leapfrog Group for the spring 2020 evaluation period. Thank you all for your dedication to excellence and safety! You can read our press release here.

Blood Drive

Blood supplies are critically low. That’s why we’re hosting a Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 6 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the SEA Training Room. Please sign up today at blood4life.org or call (805) 542-8500. Due to social distancing, we are only taking appointments. See attached for the flyer (see how happy donating blood can make a person!).

Nurses Week

Nurses Week is coming up (May 6-12). Nursing will recognize the dedication, skill and kindness of its nurses and clinicians during a virtual ceremony. Stay posted for that!

Shelter in Place Update

Modifications in this Order, effective May 4, were determined in part by using a risk-based analysis, they include:

  • Easing of restrictions on construction, golf courses and golf driving ranges, which are subject to Health Officer requirements for operation.
  • The Order also provides clarification on residential transactions, including rentals, leases, home sales and vehicle sales. Plant nurseries, landscaping and gardening is permitted, as well as drive-in church services.  Fabric and craft stores that sell fabric and materials for the purpose of supplying material necessary to create face coverings, gowns and personal protective equipment are permitted to operate.
  • All activities permitted in the Health Officer Order must comply with physical distancing requirements, specific activity limitations, and all Health Officer Orders related to COVID-19.

Staying at home has been challenging for county residents. This order represents a phased approach for Monterey County businesses and residents to begin to engage in additional activities that pose a lower risk of spread of COVID-19.  According to our friend Dr. Edward Moreno, “A phased approach to removing restrictions will allow our county to continue to slow the spread of virus and keep pressure off our health care system. Easing some restrictions, when combined with recent increases in testing capacity for COVID-19 and the use of face coverings, can continue to slow the spread of the virus while allowing some residents to return to work.”

Residents are still required to stay at home, but can leave their homes to participate in essential activities, as explained in the Order. 

To promote physical and mental health, residents are still encouraged to get outside and exercise as long as they practice social distancing and adhere to outdoor activity limitations included in the Order.

“Monterey County residents have shown that we can slow the spread of the virus and protect our older friends and family members and people with chronic medical conditions,” said Dr. Moreno. “Thank you for your efforts to protect the health and safety of our county.”

A copy of the order and more information is available at www.mtyhd.org/shelterinplace

If you get a weekend, enjoy it!  Sleep is super important, now more than ever, so get a bunch.  Early to bed and late to rise.  I hope you have sweet dreams.