Category Archives: Ascension

MOUNT PLEASANT Ascension Health said that it has officially launched drive-thru testing for COVID-19 in Wisconsin, including one location in Mount Pleasant.

SC Johnson helped Ascension set up the testing location.

"Ascension All Saints Hospital is incredibly grateful to SC Johnson for its support at a time we all need to come together," Kristin McManmon, Ascension All Saints Hospital President, said in a statement. "We opened our first COVID-19 mobile testing site in Mount Pleasant today and deeply appreciate the generous assistance of SC Johnson as we all work to slow the transmission of COVID-19 and care for all those in need."

Before getting tested, individuals still need to be prescreened by an Ascension provider by phone or virtually via Ascension Online Care. If a provider deems that the individual should be tested, then they will be told where the nearest testing location is.

Prescreening questions include travel history, inquiries about symptoms and potential contact with other COVID-19 patients.

On-site, patients will not leave their car. Nasal swab samples will be collected and then sent to a lab for testing, with results expected to take up to one week.

Toilet paper rolls are mixed in with Whiteclaw Hard Seltzer cans inside a crane game machine at Marci's on Main in Downtown Racine Saturday.

Mike Conley, of Racine, and Mark and Jeff Sandberg, of Mondovi have a drink Saturday at Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery in Downtown Racine, after the annual Downtown Racine St. Patrick's Day Parade was canceled because the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mark Sandberg, of Mondovi, Wisconsin, raises a glass of green beer Saturday at the Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery in Downtown Racine, after the annual Downtown Racine St. Patrick's Day Parade was canceled because the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ivanhoe will open its doors at 7 a.m. on Tuesday to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and will feature an Irish Breakfest and live music.

Mike Conley of Racine, and his nephew Jeff Sandberg, of Mondovi tip their hats (revealing even smaller hats) on Saturday at Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery in Downtown Racine, after the annual Downtown Racine St. Patrick's Day Parade was canceled because the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ivanhoe is still planning to open its doors at 7 a.m. Tuesday to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and feature an Irish Breakfast and live music.

Shawn Pittsley, Janet Kinsley, Gary Kinsley and Rick Simon wait to cross Sixth Street while walking along Wisconsin Avenue on Saturday. Downtown Racine was conspicuously quiet Saturday, considering it was expected to be full with St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrators, but the parade and other festivities were called off due to COVID-19 fears.

Waitress Tyna Rodriguez delivers drinks to customers Saturday March 14, 2020, at the Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery in Downtown Racine, after the annual Downtown Racine St. Patrick's Day Parade was canceled because the coronavirus pandemic. The Ivanhoe will open its doors at 7 a.m., Tuesday to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and will feature an Irish Breakfest and live music.

Gerardo and Julia Aquino drink green beer at Marci's on Main on Saturday. They were undeterred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marci Bruley and her son, Austin Krieger, serve drinks to thirsty patrons the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day in Downtown Racine.

Bobby Nash walks back toThe Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery, dressed in green, Saturday afternoon during Saturday's atypical St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities.

A sign inside an information kiosk advertises Saturday's St. Patrick Day's Parade that was canceled due to COVID-19 fears.

Three men walk along Sixth Street, dressed in faux Irish garb, Saturday afternoon.

A woman, wearing a green scarf the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, crosses a quiet Wisconsin Avenue. Downtown was expected to be busy that day, but theSt. Patrick's Day Parade and other festivities were canceled due to coronavirus quarantines.

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Ascension Health opens first drive-thru COVID-19 testing location in Mount Pleasant - Journal Times

MILWAUKEE Alverno Colleges JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions will donate its supply of protective gear and face masks to their primary healthcare partner, Ascension, on Monday, March 23, the school announced Sunday.

Alverno will donate 30 gowns, 450 masks, and 9 cases of gloves to Ascension hospitals during this coronavirus pandemic. The college will continue teaching courses online until the end of the semester.

Ascension Wisconsin made a call for donations for personal protective equipment (PPE) on Saturday, March 21.

Individuals or companies interested in making a donation should contact Ascension Wisconsins Foundation partners atAscensionWIFoundations@ascension.org. Once the donation is confirmed, arrangements can be made to pick up the donation and deliver it to the appropriate Ascension Wisconsin facility.

Supplies being requested for donation:

Ascension asks that donationsnotbe dropped off at Ascension Wisconsin facilities. The Ascension Wisconsin Foundation team will work directly with individuals and companies to assess each donation.

At this time, Ascension Wisconsin cannot accept donations that are handmade (ex: sewn face masks) and is working with local and state health officials to determine if such items could be an option in the future.

42.983457-87.964986

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Alverno Colleges School of Nursing to donate personal protective equipment to Ascension hospitals - WITI FOX 6 Milwaukee

Beginning March 21, Ascension Hospitals will be temporarily stopping in-person visitations, however there will be some exceptions made on a case-by-case basis.

Exceptions will include labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care and end-of-life-care.

Ascension is implementing the no in-person visitation restrictions as a continued attempt to try and limit the chance of exposure to COVID-19 by both patients and employees.

In a statement released by Ascension they stated,

"We understand that during this time it is important to stay connected to loved ones and remain aware of their status while hospitalized. We encourage any potential visitors to use alternate methods of communication to stay in contact with loved ones, such as calling, video chatting, or texting."

The hospital is recommending staying in contact through virtual visitation. Suggesting that both patient and potential visitor download apps like, Facetime, Google Hangout and Skype.

Additional changes to Ascension's restricted visitation policy include:

There is no current time-frame for when this policy will be lifted.

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Ascension temporarily stopping in-person visitation - WAOW

RACINE COUNTY Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin is developing drive-through testing sites for COVID-19, the organization announced Thursday afternoon. The first three are in Franklin, West Allis and Milwaukee, but Ascension is not publicly announced exact testing site locations.

Individuals who wish to be tested must first be prescreened by an Ascension Medical Group provider, by phone, or virtually using Ascension Online Care. For Racine County residents, they would then be directed to the nearest testing site, in Franklin.

We are working diligently with local and state health officials to operationalize these sites as quickly as possible to keep the health and safety of the communities we're privileged to serve a top priority, an Ascension spokeswoman stated.

The screening involves answering a series of questions about symptoms, travel history and any potential contact with COVID-19 patients. Patients who meet the criteria, which is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will be given an appointment for drive-through testing at the appropriate site.

There also is an Ascension COVID-19 Hotline set up for those who have questions about COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms, or those who want to receive a text message to schedule an Ascension Online Care appointment with a provider. The toll-free number for Wisconsin is 1-833-981-0711.

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Ascension sets up first COVID-19 drive-thru test sites - Journal Times

Posted: Mar 22, 2020 / 05:40 PM UTC / Updated: Mar 22, 2020 / 05:40 PM UTC

Ascension Lourdes and UHS Continue to Stress Virtual Walk-Ins for COVID Screening

Due to a limited supply of personal protective equipment and tests for COVID-19, in order to best treat our patients, we are limiting testing to only those patients who are most critical.

Because of this, we ask patients to not use our Primary Care practices, walk-ins or Emergency Departments simply because they want to be tested.

If you feel you may be ill, the best first step is to utilize a virtual walk-in visit at https://ascension.org/onlinecare or https://nyuhs.zipnosis.com.

Patients will be screened and evaluated by a provider in the safety of their homes.

If you cannot utilize the virtual walk-in, patients may call their primary care offices for telephonic screening first.

Patients who do not receive a COVID 19 test will be evaluated with careful consideration to their needs and given a plan of care to best support their recovery.

We are taking these measures to ensure the safety of our patients and staff by limiting unnecessary exposure.

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Ascension Lourdes and UHS Continue to stress virtual walk-ins for COVID-19 screenings - WIVT - NewsChannel 34

Leading healthcare provider organizations will focus on seamless care coordination

AUSTIN, Texas and SAN FRANCISCO, March 18, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- One Medical is bringing its modernized, membership-based primary care model to Austin, and will partner with Ascension Texas to facilitate more seamless access and coordinated care across primary care and specialty care services.

One Medicals consumer-driven primary care platform combines seamless digital health and inviting in-office care convenient to where people work, shop, live and click. One Medical plans to launch in Austin with new medical office locations and its digital health services over the next 12 months, and will clinically and digitally integrate with Ascension Texas providers and sites of care in the community. Through this partnership, the two organizations aim to achieve greater care coordination between primary and specialty care settings, advance an exceptional experience for consumers and employers, and reduce administrative burdens and costs. Austin will be One Medicals 13th metropolitan market, following its anticipated entry into Atlanta, Georgia, Portland, Oregon, and Orange County, California in 2020.

We greatly look forward to expanding to Austin in collaboration with Ascension Texas. Together, we will deliver streamlined access and a heightened experience across primary and specialty care settings, furthering our vision to delight our members with better health, better care, and lower costs, said John Singerling, Chief Network Officer of One Medical.

As Ascension Texas primary care providers continue to serve the rapidly growing needs of the expanding Austin market, both in person and through virtual care, we look forward to welcoming One Medical providers to further care for the community, said Samson Jesudass, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Texas. Through this collaboration, our specialists will work with primary care providers to offer seamless specialty care and services to those we together are privileged to serve.

About One MedicalOne Medical is a membership-based primary care platform with seamless digital health and inviting in-office care, convenient to where people work, shop, live and click. One Medicals mission is to transform health care for all through a human-centered, technology-powered model. One Medicals vision is to delight members with better health, better care, and lower costs.

Headquartered in San Francisco, 1Life Healthcare, Inc. (ONEM) is the administrative and managerial services company for the affiliated One Medical physician owned professional corporations that deliver medical services in-office and virtually. 1Life and the One Medical entities do business under the One Medical brand.

About Ascension TexasIn Texas, Ascension operates Ascension Providence and Ascension Seton, which includes Dell Childrens Medical Center, the regions only comprehensive childrens hospital and pediatric Level I trauma center, and Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, the regions only Level I trauma center for adults. Ascension Seton partners with Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and shares a common vision of transforming healthcare through a focus on quality and value. Serving Texas for 115 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., operating 2,600 sites of care including 150 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Visit http://www.ascension.org and http://www.dellchildrens.net.

Press contact:

Kristina Skinner, One MedicalDirector of External Communicationspress@onemedical.com650-743-5187

Danielle Hall, Ascension TexasPublic Relations Managerdanielle.hall3@ascension.org 931-247-3527

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements about One Medical and its industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on One Medicals beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to One Medical. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding future results of operations, financial condition, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements.

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Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause One Medicals actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent One Medicals beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this release. These statements, and related risks, uncertainties, factors and assumptions, include, but are not limited to: timing of office openings and commencement of operations in Austin, Texas; One Medicals relationships and collaborations with its health network partners and enterprise clients; and One Medicals ability to digitally and clinically integrate with its partners. Except as required by law, One Medical assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Further information on factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by One Medicals forward-looking statements will be included in the reports One Medical will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. These filings, when available, are available on the investor relations section of One Medicals website at investor.onemedical.com and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.

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One Medical and Ascension Texas to Collaborate on Connecting Primary and Specialty Care - Yahoo Finance

Each facility has an established Emergency Operations Plan with individualized plans for a number of scenarios, including pandemics.

Ascension is committed to regularly communicating with the care team members across all markets and settings.

This includes keeping the care team informed with regular communication on the latest information related to COVID-19.

Facilities have activated emergency response protocols which utilize the Incident Command System. ICS is a standardized system to allow efficient management and communication with internal and external agencies.

Updating infection prevention protocols for coronavirus

Ascensions infection prevention specialists work closely with the CDC and local public health authorities to follow proper infection control precautions and protocols to protect patients, visitors and associates, including any additional measures to consider implementing. It is possible that the CDC may modify recommended procedures as they learn more about this virus.

How can individuals best protect themselves and others from the coronavirus?

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Ascension limiting elective services, expanding visitor restrictions - Journal Times

SAINT THOMAS RUTHERFORD and Saint Thomas in Middle Tennessee:Scroll DOWN for information on TriStar StoneCrest Medical in Smyrna, TNAscension Saint Thomas Facility Visitation & Associate Screening Policies As part of a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Ascension Saint Thomas has evaluated our visitor policies. Our guidance addresses your safety and the safety of our associates, physicians, and community, while ensuring that we continue to deliver optimal care. Our priority is to reduce transmission and to protect people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications. Please comply with the following revised guidance, which goes into effect today (3/19/20) at 8 p.m.

Visitation Policy | Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 8 p.m.

Visitors are temporarily restricted to: Virtual visitation only If you need support in the virtual visitation process, please ask your nurse or patient care technician

Exceptions to our visitation policy may be made by hospital leadership balancing the health risks and the patient's right to receive visitors.

Predefined exceptions include:

Neonatal ICU and pediatric patients; limited to one legal guardian Women giving birth; limited to one birthing partner Patients undergoing surgery/testing; limited to one visitor End of life care as determined by our care team; limited to one visitor

Mandatory Associate Screening Policy | In Effect

The COVID-19 mandatory associate screening is intended to provide additional safeguards for our patients, families, visitors and caregivers through decreased exposure to individuals who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Effective March 17, 2020, all associates, contingent workers, aligned medical staff, volunteers, residents/students, and other healthcare workers entering our sites of care will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.

Sites will be placed on restricted ingress for all associates, contingent workers, aligned medical staff, residents and other healthcare workers, and any authorized students and volunteers. Screeners will be stationed at designated entrances to conduct screening assessments of all individuals entering the building.

We expect the screening should take no more than a few minutes per person; however, anticipate that in some locations the volume could cause some delays. Associates not exhibiting symptoms assessed in the screening will be cleared to report to their work area and start their shift.

Associates who indicate positive for the symptoms of fever, cough or flu-like symptoms will be directed to contact the Associate Health Clinical consultation line immediately for further assessment. A triage nurse will discuss your symptoms and may refer those with symptomology consistent with COVID-19 for definitive testing.

Based upon the findings you may be directed to: (1) Remain off of work for up to 14 days with self monitoring; (2) Return to work with self monitoring; (3) Return to work with no monitoring.

Non-Associate contingent workers, aligned medical staff, volunteers, residents/students, and other healthcare workers who indicate positive for symptoms of fever, cough or flu-like symptoms will be directed to call the local Ascension Associate Health Department and their employer and/or healthcare provider as applicable. Associate Health will discuss your symptoms.

Based upon the findings you may be directed to: (1) Remain off of work for up to 14 days with self monitoring; (2) Return to work with self monitoring; (3) Return to work with no monitoring.

For off-site practice locations (eg. Ascension Medical Group practice sites) the practice manager or supervisor should ensure that all practice associates are free of fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If any practice associate screens positive for one of these screening criteria, they should follow directions as outlined above.

All visitors will be screened upon entry into the facility. No visitors under the age of 18 Screening questions will include: Do you have a fever? Do you have a cough? Do you have difficulty breathing? If the answer to any of these is "yes", the visitor will be not be allowed to enter our facility

We encourage any potential visitors to use alternate methods of communication to stay in contact with loved ones, such as calling, video chatting, or texting. Thank you for your support in adhering to these guidelines, and thank you for trusting Ascension Saint Thomas for your care.

TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center (Smyrna, TN):TriStar StoneCrest currently has a 'No Visitation' policy in effect.

There are a few exceptions and allowances to the policy, including:

Pediatric Patients: 1 parent or caregiver OB Patients: 1 birthing or care partner Outpatient Surgery or Outpatient Testing: 1 caregiver Further exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis.

Greeters will be screening at the designated entrances with a list of basic questions to help ensure that individuals who might spread the virus get the care they need while not exposing patients, staff and other guests.

During this time, visitors may want to consider alternative communication options, if available, such as phone, FaceTime, text or email.

Thank you for your help in maintaining a safe environment for our patients, colleagues and community.

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Hospital Related Policy Changes due to COVID-19 (Rutherford County and Ascension Saint Thomas Facilities) - Wgnsradio

MILWAUKEE COUNTY People having trouble getting a test for the coronavirus will soon have more places to do so. By next week new testing sites will be open to patients with a variety of symptoms.

Daryl Kirchen from St. Francis has wanted to get tested for the coronavirus for the past week.

"I think there's a lot of people in their 30s and 40s that will get sick that don't expect it," Kirchen said.

He doesn't have a fever but said he does have a severe cough, pressure in his chest, and shortness of breath. A person at his workplace also tested positive.

However, when Kirchen called both his health care provider and others in the area, he said they wouldn't approve him to be tested.

"Basically said that testing isn't available for my group," Kirchen said.

Right now, coronavirus testing is available at various health care providers, each with their specifications but all requiring a phone or virtual screening ahead of time.

The only drive-thru testing site currently up and running is at Froedtert South's Pleasant Prairie Clinic, with more expected to open in the next week at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Thursday, TMJ4 News also learned Ascension Medical Group would open multiple drive-thru testing spots early next week, including in West Allis, Franklin, and Milwaukee.

Medical Director Dr. Patricia Golden said as they treat more critical patients at their hospitals, they're designating these new drive-thru sites to those with milder symptoms and no fever.

"This is going to be the opportunity for us to do testing in you know more of the general population and help with the epidemiology of understanding this virus," Dr. Golden said.

She said the samples from critical patients are getting sent to the state and city labs for testing. They don't want to overburden those workers and will be sending the samples from the patients with milder symptoms to commercial labs.

By separating patients with different symptoms, Dr. Golden hopes to avoid cross-contamination.

"These are the patients really truly, we want to know that they're positive, but we also want to help recommend the social distancing as well as the quarantining at home while they test positive, and avoid being the spread of this into the general population," Dr. Golden said.

This is precisely what Kirchen hopes to do.

"I think that you know the key to fixing this is figuring out how to treat people earlier," Kirchen said.

Anyone who is an Ascension patient and wants to get tested first has to get screened by a nurse by either calling Ascension's coronavirus hotline at (833) 981-0711 or virtually using Ascension Online Care.

If you're not an Ascension patient, you can also get tested by calling Ascension's coronavirus hotline.

The nurse who screens you will then decide whether testing is warranted and whether you should be hospitalized or get tested at one of the drive-thru sites.

The first Ascension drive-thru testing sites in Southeastern Wisconsin will be located at the following places:

The three locations are expected to open next week. The opening date and times are still in the works.

Later on, Ascension drive-thru testing sites will also be at the following places:

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Ascension to open drive-thru coronavirus testing sites for people with milder symptoms - WTMJ-TV

Michigan's largest hospital systems are bracing for potential patient overflow amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

On Saturday, state health officials alsoconfirmed three new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the statewide total to six. There are 229 confirmed cases in Oakland County, 248 in Detroit, 101 in Wayne County and 101 in Macomb County. The state's updated totals are from cases tallied Friday up to midnight and include positive test results confirmed by state, commercial, and hospital labs.

Saturday night, two more deaths were confirmed bringing the statewide total to eight. Spectrum Health officials confirmed the state's seventh death, a male in his 70's who was being treated at Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, and Henry Ford Health confirmed the state's eighth death, a 52-year-old Macomb County man with underlying health conditions who died at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.

Last week, as the number of infected patients in Michigan grew, hospital systems such as Beaumont Health, Henry Ford Health, The University of Michigan, Spectrum, and the Detroit Medical Center, voluntarily postponed elective procedures to help free up beds for severely ill patients, including those showing COVID-19 symptoms and patients needing emergency care.

Then on Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered hospitals, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, dental facilities, and all state-operated outpatient facilities, to postpone all non-essential procedures until the COVID-19 state of emergency was lifted. The orders took effect at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21.

"By postponing all non-essential medical and dental procedures, we expect to reduce the strain on the healthcare system and protect people," Whitmer said. "My administration will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of the disease and ensure our children, families, and businesses have the support they need during these challenging times.

Most ICU beds are occupied and there may not be enough of them, according to Associated Press data compiled from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2018, the latest available numbers.

As the number of COVID-19 cases within the U.S. continues to grow, many hospitals are bracing themselves for an expected onslaught of coronavirus patients. The number of beds available in these hospitals, especially intensive care unit beds for the severely ill patients, is critical for managing the incoming surge.

John Karasinski, spokesperson for theMichigan Health and Hospital Association, saidhospitals across the state have implemented their emergency response plans, which include increasing bed capacity during a surge of patients.

"Many hospitals have already postponed or delayed elective surgery procedures to increase capacity for COVID-19 patients and to preserve supplies," he said.

In Oakland County, there are 368 ICU beds at 12 hospitals. That number includes 138 at Beaumont in Royal Oak and 56 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy. Data shows on average 122 were empty at any given time. There are 3,400 general beds at county healthcare facilities and data shows an average 92 were empty.

In Wayne County, there are 404 ICU bed at 14 hospitals. That number includes 80 at Henry Ford Hospital in Wyandotte and 56 at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit. Data shows an average of 10 were open at any given time.There are 4,218 general beds and data shows an average of 95 were open.

In Macomb County, there are 122 ICU beds at four hospitals. That includes 48 at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens and 41 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren. Data shows an average of 10 ICU beds were open at any given time. There are 1,013 general beds at those hospitals, with an average of 90 beds open.

Here's what each of the state's major hospital systems are doing to prepare for a potential tidal wave of patients:

Hospitals include Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn; Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills; Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe; Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak; Beaumont Hospital in Taylor; Beaumont Hospital in Trenton; Beaumont Hospital in Troy; Beaumont Hospital in Wayne

On Friday, Beaumont announced it was postponing non-essential procedures until after May 1.

"We started notifying patients on Monday, March 16 of this change," said spokesperson Mark Geary. "We are also not booking any new non-essential surgeries until after May 1. If a physician or a surgeon thinks a patient surgery is essential, our physician leadership will evaluate the request and determine whether to allow the surgery to proceed.

If Beaumont hospitals receive a large influx of patients, they will receive care on a unit dedicated to COVID-19 patients. Precautionary measures are being taken to protect these patients and their caregivers by treating them in special units.

Beaumont has also created a physician-led task force to develop a set of guidelines in response to the U.S. Surgeon Generals recommendation to cancel elective surgeries.

CEO John Fox said system guidelines emphasize patient safety and quality, while also considering inpatient capacity, patient flow and resources.

The guidelines will change as the situation unfolds. There will also be circumstances that require us to make exceptions and evaluate on a case-by-case basis. We are also talking with other health systems around the country, exchanging information and working together with them. We are not competitors right now. We are united together in a common national effort."

Hospitals include Henry Ford Hospital; Henry Ford Allegiance Health; Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals in Clinton Township and Warren; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital; Henry Ford Kingswood

Henry Ford last week postponed "non-time sensitive" procedures and surgeries. According to hospital officials, the decision was made "to protect the health and safety of patients and to ensure the availability of medical equipment and resources in the event of a patient surge.

Procedures and surgeries are performed at five Henry Ford hospitals and six outpatient surgery locations.

The hospital system is also monitoring its supply of masks, gowns, face shields, wipes and other products to keep patients and team members safe.

"Like all health systems, our concerns will increase as the number of positive cases arise," said the hospital system in a statement. "We are in constant communication with our suppliers and continue to take measures to extend the life of our supplies. For their safety against potential exposure, Emergency Department personnel are now wearing a surgical mask during their work shift."

Henry Ford Health has 360 ICU beds across its hospital system as well as 150 negative pressure isolation rooms where COVID-19 patients would be treated. The system's total bed count is 2,305.

Beds: Henry Ford Hospital, 877; Henry Ford Allegiance, 475; Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, 361; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, 401; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, 191.

Staffed hospital bed occupancy (as of March 13): Henry Ford Hospital, 83 percent; Henry Ford Allegiance, 78 percent; Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, 75 percent; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, 62 percent; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, 81 percent

Hospitals include University Hospital; C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital; Von Voightlander Womens Hospital; Frankel Cardiovascular Center; Rogel Cancer Center

Mary Masson, director of public relations for U-M Medicine, said the hospital system is staffed for 972 beds. She added that elective procedures have been postponed to open up bed capacity.

"We are preparing and planning to handle additional patients. Michigan Medicine has been proactively monitoring and ordering supplies to prepare for patient surge," she said. "As part of that, we have reached out to all areas of the university to collect supplies. We currently have adequate supplies to treat our patients and protect our employees."

The university has also executed the next phase of a comprehensive COVID-19 planning and response program which includes the opening of a 32-bed isolation unit to treat COVID-19 patients.

In this unprecedented time, we have moved forward with the activation of a Regional Infectious Containment Unit (RICU), said Dr. Marschall Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine and dean of the Medical School. This unit enhances care and minimizes risk of disease spread, while improving safety of patients on and off the unit, visitors and staff.

In addition, the university announced that many outpatient appointments are being shifted to a video visit format for the safety and convenience of patients. The supply of crucial supplies like masks, hand sanitizer and other personal protective equipment is being monitored. Orders are proactively being placed for additional supplies.

Hospitals include DMC Childrens Hospital of Michigan in Troy; DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital; DMC Harper University Hospital; DMC Heart Hospital; DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital; DMC Hutzel Womens Hospital; DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan; DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital

Jason Barczy, DMC communications director, said the systemcontinues to closely monitor the CDCs COVID-19 guidance and adjust measures in place to ensure the safety of our patients and staff," he said."We have developed guidelines for elective care given new guidance from authorities. We seek to balance the needs for care for those with chronic or other illnesses that require healthcare diagnostics or procedures and where delaying it could cause them to require emergency care a few weeks from now, at a time when COVID-19 cases might be ramping up."

He said the hospital system routinely treats infectious diseases and has strong infection control policies, procedures, and systems in place to screen and treat patients.

"Our hospital has taken the appropriate steps, and we have trained professionals and the necessary equipment to react accordingly," he said. "Our clinical teams are in constant review of infection prevention processes and update patient screenings as recommended by the CDC.

Hospitals include McLaren Bay Region; McLaren Caro Region; McLaren Central Michigan; McLaren Flint; McLaren Greater Lansing; McLaren Lapeer Region; McLaren Macomb; McLaren Northern Michigan; McLaren Oakland; McLaren Port Huron; McLaren Thumb Region; Karmanos Cancer Institute

Kevin Tompkins, McLaren Health spokesperson, said the hospital system is working around the clock to address all elements of its preparedness for this rapidly evolving pandemic.

"We have multiple teams working on all aspects of Supply Chain, Human Resources, patient safety and clinical care and other logistics and training directly related to responding to this health crisis," he said.

All 14 of the system's hospitals have emergency departments staffed and equipped to deal with a wide range of emergency health care needs, said Tompkins. He added all ICU and inpatient beds will be maximized to accommodate all necessary admissions.

"The Emergency Room is not where people should go if they are concerned that they might have been infected by the coronavirus," he said. "Patients should only go to the Emergency Room if theyre experiencing severe respiratory symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath."

Tompkins said the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic along with its associated unknown aspects, including rate and speed of its spread, present a "very real potential of placing significant strain on the existing hospital infrastructure both within the state and nationally."

The hospital system's need for critical supplies, such as ventilators, face masks, and other personal protection equipment will depend on patient demand over the next week or two.

Hospitals include Ascension Borgess Hospital; Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital; Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital; Ascension Brighton Center for Recovery; Ascension Genesys Hospital; Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital (Warren Campus and Madison Heights Campus); Ascension Providence Hospital (Southfield Campus and Novi Campus); Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital; Ascension River District Hospital; Ascension St. John Hospital; Ascension St. Joseph Hospital; Ascension St. Marys Hospital; Ascension Standish Hospital.

Melissa Thrasher, spokesperson for Ascension, said the hospital system is always preparing for an influx of patients, but with increased focus prior to cold and flu season.

"We have stood up a virtual command center and are meeting throughout the day on a daily basis," she said. "We are working in alignment with our local, state and national public health and community partners and suppliers to assess our readiness and address any identified needs."

In terms of supplies, she said the system is taking proactive steps with its distributors and suppliers to ensure access to critical supplies. This includes arranging expedited shipments directly from manufacturers, assessing alternative products and taking advantage of the system's ability as a national system to make intra-hospital inventory transfers when appropriate.

"We have also implemented conservation measures, in anticipation of further supply chain disruption over the coming months due to COVID-19," she said. "At this time, we are not experiencing any issues with our supply inventories."

Hospitals include Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital; Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital; Spectrum Health United Hospital; Spectrum Health Special Care Hospital; Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital; Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital; Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital; Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital; Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital; Spectrum Health Lakeland, Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial; Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital; Spectrum Health Pennock; Priority Health.

On Tuesday, the hospital system announced it would cancel all appointments, surgeries and procedures that are not urgent or emergency-related through March 31. All patients with scheduled non-urgent appointments, procedures or surgeries will be contacted by their provider regarding next steps.

We believe this is the right step to protect our patients, team members and communities, said Darryl Elmouchi, chief medical officer, Spectrum Health System and president. We appreciate the understanding of our communities as we navigate this unprecedented situation and strive to do what is right. We will continue to evaluate this on a weekly basis and will extend these closures as needed.

In an effort to increase patient safety, outpatient laboratory services have moved to new locations at both Reed City and Big Rapids Hospitals.

Were trying to accommodate as many patients as possible while ensuring our hospital remains safe for patients and staff, said Shane Cornelius, lab manager. We appreciate everyones cooperation and understanding.

Read the rest here:

Michigan hospital systems prepare for COVID-19 patient overflow - The Oakland Press