Reports about the outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and some areas of the United States have dominated recent news. What is Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) doing to prepare for this?
At this time, GRMC is monitoring all information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as local, county, and state information.
Some time ago, Gila Regional created a pandemic infectious disease plan called Operation Teamwork. Though we hope to avoid enacting this plan, GRMC staff will continue to use it as a guide for efforts to serve Grant County.
“Gila Regional has begun to take necessary action,” stated Barbara Guber, GRMC Operation Teamwork member.
GRMC has started the process within the facility to prepare. Materials Management has ordered extra supplies including masks. Pharmacy has ordered more doses of Tamiflu. Infection Control has met with the Emergency Room Director. Caregivers are asking patients with respiratory conditions to wear masks. Daily updates from the New Mexico Department of Health to the Medical Staff office are being sent out to local physicians.
To defend against the swine flu the CDC recommendations include simple measures such as: wash hands frequently with soap and water and cover a cough with a tissue or cloth (not a hand). Community members are further advised that if you do develop a cough along with fever of 102 or higher to please see your physician or health clinic.
Additional information can be found on the CDC website at
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
