University of Kentucky hospital administration and staff began planning for coronavirus care in mid-January. The first COVID-19 patient came the first week of March. UK Infection Prevention and Control Director Kim Blanton says frontline workers are so into caring for patients while also balancing that with caring for themselves and their families.
Blanton said UK hospital has seen 82 coronavirus patients. “The majority of these folks have been able to keep out of the hospital. I think that has just been a blessing and again I think it comes from having those resources such as our ID clinic and our primary care ambulatory areas that have really stepped up with the telehealth and being able to monitor these people at home. But it’s still 80 some people that had to be in the hospital,” said Blanton.
Reporting this week has included information about increasing coronavirus related deaths of front line workers nationally. Blanton, who’s been in nursing for more than two decades, said it saddens her to know that colleagues are dying while they care for others. Fortunately Blanton says very few nurses and doctors at UK have tested positive.
Kim Blanton says frontline healthcare workers are dealing with the emotional stressors of COVID-19 in a variety of ways. The University of Kentucky Infection Control and Prevention Director says it means a lot to know support is found in and outside the medical facility. Blanton noted these caregivers are finding ways to help patients and still protect themselves and their families. “It is an absolutely amazing site to watch what they’ve done up there and to not only deal with all the PPE they have to wear and staying for hours, but continue to give that compassion that every patient needs. It’s scary to be in the hospital no matter what, but it’s also scary to be told you have an awful virus that no one really knows much about, right? Asked Blanton.
Blanton said the monitoring of personal protective equipment and other supplies has gone well. The two decade nurse added it still seems like something new is learned about every day. Blanton adds there’s, quote, “no handbook for this.”?
Here's more with UK Infection Prevention and Control Director Kim Blanton:
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