Livestream Questions
Some news outlets and politicians are calling COVID-19 a hoax. Since the numbers are much lower than projections, is this accurate?
A: This pandemic is not a hoax. The numbers are lower than projected because we have successfully followed social distancing and have flattened the curve.
How many tests have you swabbed and what are the results? How many COVID-19 cases are currently hospitalized in your hospitals and how many are on ventilators?
A: The numbers are ever-changing. However, as of April 30, we have sent out 482 tests. Of those tests, 418 have come back negative and 55 have returned positive. We have tested individuals from more than 15 Ohio counties.
We currently have seven inpatients.There are currently no patients on ventilators.
Are the use of cloth masks added safety?
A: CDC guidelines have been updated to indicate that cloth masks are a benefit. However, cloth masks are not a substitute for PPE, so when performing patient care activities, you must wear appropriate PPE.
Are you immune once you contract COVID-19 and recover?
A: We are learning more about COVID-19 every day. There is the potential for a patient to be re-infected. Thus, that is why we must continue to abide by social distancing guidelines. This is very concerning for a health system in the event of a re-surge.
When will BVHS start begin elective surgeries and outpatient procedures and tests?
A: As per Governor DeWine's recent address, these types of services would begin on May 1.
Regarding surgeries, we have processes in place to ensure patient and associate safety. Patients who have pending surgeries will receive communication about the steps to be scheduled for their procedures. This will be a phased approach and committees are currently meeting to discuss how to best address the surgical needs of the patients moving forward.
What system do you have in place for regular medication maintenance like the Coumadin clinic? Are there procedures in place to protect healthy people entering the facility?
A: We are trying to do as much for medication as we can by phone. Our recommendation right now is based on the CDC that if you wash your hands and avoid touching your face, we are doing what we can to prevent coming in contact with sick patients. We are screening everyone's temperature, and, in the future, we may have everyone in the hospital wearing masks, it is all based on CDC guidelines. When patients enter through the ER, they are not entering the emergency room, and we have a system in place so that they are triaged around the ER and its patients.
Can a patient make an appointment with a family physician for a non-emergency, non-COVID-19 visit?
A: Call your primary care provider. Some offices are offering telehealth visits. However, if it is an emergency, we are still accepting patients in our emergency room. Additionally, Physicians Plus is open for non-emergency related issues.
It is safe to come into both the ER and Physicians Plus. We have procedures in place to keep any positive or potentially positive patients away from other patients. Rest assured, we are doing everything in our power to keep our patients safe as possible. We are strictly following state and federal guidelines.
What is your opinion on cleaning masks and other PPE?
A: We are looking into options for cleaning masks and have connected with companies who are providing new opportunities for this initiative.
What steps are you taking to protect Blanchard Valley Health System associates?
A: We are having as many associates as possible working from home, providing associates with appropriate PPE, taking the temperature of all associates daily and enforcing washing hands and not touching your face. None of our associates have tested positive for COVID-19.
What steps are you taking to be prepared for the virus when the curve goes up and beds are scarce?
A: Surge planning has been a priority. We have plans in place and are working with community partners to make sure we have plenty of beds. However, our top priority is keeping our associates safe and healthy so that we have plenty of workers to care for these patients if there is an influx. We have a surge plan that outlines a phased approach. Part of that plan includes working with community resources. It is possible we will need beds, but it is more critical to have workers to care for the influx of patients.
What is the estimated date that Hancock County/Findlay will reach the peak of the COVID-19 curve?
A: Our resources predict that it could be in the next two to three weeks. We are preparing for the surge to hit at that time, but we do not know how social distancing could impact that timeframe.
Is an immunity test being developed so those who may have already had COVID-19 can be "ruled out" as potential future positives? Would this data not help to "flatten" the curve too?
A: Yes, if we were able to test for who has had it, it would help us with triaging patients. We will be receiving a developed blood test to see if someone is immune due to already having the virus in the past. As far as immunity, we hope that a vaccine will be developed to protect those who have not had the virus.
Does the total number of cases reported for Hancock County change when patients recover from COVID-19?
A: No, at this time we are keeping a running total of how many people are treated and diagnosed.
How will Blanchard Valley Hospital take care of pregnant patients if there is a surge? Will a support person be allowed in the room with laboring mothers? Will pregnant mothers be turned away from the hospital during a worst-case scenario?
A: We are allowing one visitor with each OB patient. Additionally, we will keep our patients here in a safe and secure environment to deliver their babies and provide care.
What process is BVHS using for testing? How soon does the patient get results?
A: Right now, we are swabbing patients through our Triage & Testing Center and then sending swabs to two different labs. The turnaround time has decreased significantly since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. However, due to the sheer volume of tests being submitted and the amount of manpower required to accomplish the testing, 36 to 48 hours is still the average time frame.
Is Blanchard Valley Health System equipped to handle Coronavirus patients or will those that need hospitalization to be transferred to another hospital?
A: We will be able to care for our patients here at Blanchard Valley Hospital. Patients from Bluffton Hospital will also be transferred to Blanchard Valley Hospital for care.
How many respirators and intubation machines are currently available at Findlay’s Blanchard Valley Hospital?
A: We have approximately 26 ventilators and an additional 30 disaster ventilators that are single patient use. We are working on capabilities of how to use one ventilator for two patients if needed. Lastly, we have identified some anesthesia machines that could be converted and utilized as ventilators.
If a patient needs to be transferred to another hospital how would the transport be handled?
A: Patients would be transferred by ambulance. The HANCO team would be protected with PPE (gloves, masks, etc.) and after the transport, the ambulance would be sterilized.
How many of our Findlay/Hancock County residents have been tested for COVID-19, and what are your plans to continue testing?
A: As of today (4/2/2020), we have had more than 1300 calls to the Triage and Testing Center. Of those 1300 calls, only 160 people have required testing. Only 6 have tested positive in Hancock County. BVHS is committed to maintaining and staffing Triage and Testing Centers in both Findlay and Bluffton until there is no longer a need.
How can I dontate money or goods to the health system. How can I do this?
A: We are welcoming donations for sewn fabric masks, N95 respirators, surgical masks, protective glasses and goggles, face shields, disinfecting wipes, digital thermometers or Tempa-dots and hand sanitizer. Please contact Karen George at 419.429.6422 or visit bvhealthsystem.org/give.
What does it mean to "successfully recover" from COVID-19?
A: The reality is that the vast majority of people who come down with COVID-19 survive it. Once a person is exposed to COVID-19, the body starts producing antibodies to fight the infection. As the antibodies start to successfully contain the virus and keep it from replicating, symptoms begin to lessen and you start to feel better.
If all goes well, your immune system will completely destroy the virus in your body. Even after symptoms disappear, a patient should stay isolated for an additional three days to ensure they are not infectious.
Will ibuprofen worsen COVID-19 symptoms?
A: While this has not been proven, we are recommending that patients take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to be safe.
Did BVH submit a plan to the governor?
A: We send requested information daily to both the state and the regional oversight groups.
Are you expected to hire more employees to help?
A: We are trying to redeploy all displaced associates using the labor pool prior to looking outside for assistance.
Has BVH made any collaborations with other area hospitals?
A: We are collaborating with area hospitals which includes, northwest Ohio and Toledo at the executive level an incident command.
Why is Birchaven not allowed to wear cloth masks?
A: Birchaven is now allowed to wear masks. Originally, this was done to help limit the use of needed PPE per CDC guidelines.
What is the hospital capacity in ICU? How many rooms are negative pressure & is that part of ICU treatment?
A: We have 18 ICU beds, 17 CCU and we have additional beds on the fourth floor that are negative pressure rooms.
Are you sending people out of the county for treatment before BVHS will take in hospital patients?
A: Currently, we are keeping patients here that have an acuity level we are able to assist.
How will the family's of a patient receive information once admitted?
A: All communication is being done by telephone right now. If the patient is unable to call their family themselves, either via room phone or personal mobile device, the clinical teams will be updating their emergency contact via telephone. It is vital to your healthcare team to have updated your emergency contact with a working telephone number.
Could the UV light be used to sterilize the rooms be used to sterilize some of the PPE?
A: Yes, we have already started this process. We have designated an area where we use the UV light to sterilize PPE.
Could women coming into obstetrics use the side door by the back doors of the pavilion?
A: As we have worked through our phases, especially with obstetrics patients with no COVID-19 symptoms, we are devising safer routes to enter and exit the hospital.
How is the hospital helping with their employee's mental health as the pandemic peaks, such as PTSD from patients dying suddenly?
A: We are encouraging all associates if they are having issues to reach out to their supervisor or human resource representative. We are encouraging the use of our health benefits and Employee Assistance Program. In general, we are encouraging everyone to take a break, exercise and have proper nutrition during this difficult time.
What is your advice for patients with a cancer diagnosis and their fear of continuing treatment?
A: Please continue to seek and accept treatment with the guidance of your provider.
How can the public share their advance directives with the hospital?
A: For now, please mail your advance directives to the Blanchard Valley Hospital, attention medical records. You can also email your directives to advancecareplanning@bvhealthsystem.org or send via fax to 419.434.5100, attention HIS.
At the present time, please do not deliver the paperwork in person due to the current visitor restriction policy. It is very important that you carry copies and that your family/representatives have copies so they are available to any healthcare teams you may encounter. For more information regarding advance directives, please click here.
What criteria does a patient need to meet before COVID-19 testing is administered?
A: We continue to utilize the CDC guidelines for testing, which include a series of questions by which the patient answers yes or no. In order to be authorized for testing, a certain number of those questions must be answered "yes." The questions are based on the patient's current health status.
Does the virus cause lung damage to people who contract it and recover?
A: In general, it doesn’t leave permanent damage. The issue is when someone is severely sick with COVID-19 and on a ventilator, there may be damage but there haven’t been enough studies to confirm what kind of permanent damage it would be.
What are the processes patients can expect from calling the COVID-19 hotline to testing and treatment?
A: We have a 24/7 call center where you would be asked a series of questions identifying symptoms. From the conversation with one of our registered nurses, if it sounds like you meet the criteria for a screening, a scheduled appointment will be made with one of our testing and triage centers. Once you have arrived, you will be seen by a provider that will screen your symptoms. If at that time a test has been determined necessary, you will be swabbed.
If you do not appear to have COVID-19, you may be referred to your primary care provider or the emergency room for further evaluation.
Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food?
A: The CDC has stated that currently, there is no evidence to support the transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for general food safety.
Is BVHS utilizing different types of medications to help combat COVID-19?
A: We are utilizing different types of medications following CDC guidelines. Specifically, the hydroxychloroquine with zinc and azithromycin are under investigation for usage for COVID-19 infections.
We are currently exploring collecting plasma from individuals who have recovered from the virus. Committees are continuing to meet regarding this opportunity.
Is there a cost to the patient for the COVID-19 testing and evaluation?
A: There is a cost for the COVID-19 test, and we will be following normal billing processes. Initially, BVHS was not charging for the evaluation, only the lab test. However, key figures within the organization are working on updating the processes so that the assessment can be charged as well. Please note, these are standard guidelines. The regulations state we can bill patients. However, we cannot seek more than what the patient would pay at an in-network provider. As far as Medicare, regulations have stated they will waive the deductible and co-insurance for telehealth patients if the patient has had a COVID-19 test or is evaluated for COVID-19. This will happen through the Medicare billing process.
What is the possibility of Hancock County seeing numerous cases?
A: The models would suggest we could see numerous cases. However, this depends on how well we follow social distancing guidelines, reducing contacts by closing business and community locations, washing hands and using masks. We expect the reduction of surge cases but are still concerned about how long the infectivity of the disease will last.
What is the staffing plan if and when the front-line docs/nurses either become sick or exhausted?
A: We have contingency plans in place to help with potential staffing issues.
Of the current patients that have gone to the hospital, how many are/were in ICU? How many have recovered both in the ICU/hospital? How many have been discharged?
A: We have a range of acuity in the COVID-19 positive admissions. We have successfully discharged some of the inpatients to their homes.
Will children and teens needing hospitalization/ICU be sent to a children's hospital and will that be in Toledo?
A: Children needing intensive care will be sent to the pediatric ICU of the parents choosing, assuming we have the capability to transfer them and an accepting hospital. Some children, with less severe symptoms, will qualify to stay here at BVH under the care of the pediatric hospitalist team.
What is the average length of stay of a COVID-19 patient?
A: At Blanchard Valley, we have a multidisciplinary round. That means that all the members of the team get together every morning and discuss everybody in the hospital tested for COVID-19 pending results or known positives. We have had some longer stays, 10 to 14 days, and we have had some shorter stays. A typical stay would be four to five days.
What is the rate of our flu season? When they test for corona, do they also test for other types of flu?
A: According to Hancock Public Health, we do not have a local influenza rate because this virus is not disease reportable to public health. Only patients hospitalized due to influenza are reported. In saying this, non-hospitalized patients seeking care at the emergency room, urgent care or primary care provider will not have their results reported. Annually, the CDC uses hospitalizations and reports from a certain percentage of labs across the country and formulas to try an estimate the number of flu cases seen per year but for 2019-2020 year that has not been determined yet.
Have you discharged any patients that have survived the virus and are you following up with them?
A: Yes, we have discharged patients from the hospital that have survived the virus. We have a team of individuals that work with the patients and families to prepare for discharge. Their care is then handed off to their primary care provider and a BVHS care navigator after hospital discharge. We also collaborate with Bridge Home Health for in-home nursing care when necessary after hospital discharge.
How is Birchaven handling this crisis for some of our most vulnerable citizens?
A: As an organization, we have gone through strict protocols of training, checking individuals that work as they come in and temperatures being checked twice a day, and making sure that everyone washes their hands. There's plenty of sanitizer available. Everyone understands what the rules are for BVHS associates and locations. Lastly, we are trying to make sure that individuals aren't overworked. In saying this, social distancing guidelines are still in place. We should encourage the use of electronic devices to keep residents connected with family members and loved ones. Since long term care facilities are high risk environments, we need to adhere to the guidelines until the state government advises otherwise.
What type of surgeries are considered elective?
A: This definition of “elective surgery” is still being considered through multiple committees within the organization. The process is being examined currently and more information will be available soon.
What drug protocols is BVHS using for hospitalized COVID patients?
A: We have tried the azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine with some people. The problem with trying these treatments, for most people they're going to get better; 80% of the people get better and don't even end up in the hospital. With that said, we can't say that's a cure. We have to be careful with association and causation as to what exactly is working. With the hydroxychloroquine trials, the more numbers we get, not as strong as we'd like to see, but there's still more trials coming.
Do you need a filter in the material homemade masks?
A: You do not have to have a filter in the cloth masks, some of the filter actually impede laundering. If you would like to use a filter utilize something such as a coffee filter that can be changed frequently. The filter will damp due to moisture from breath of wearing for extended period of time.
What can we expect with antibody testing?
A: There's a lot of reports of the antibody tests coming and right now under the emergency situation, FDA process has been relaxed to allow tests to come out onto the market without stringent testing that they normally would go through. BVHS has been carefully sorting through these tests.
We're looking at a possible test that we will receive from the Mayo Clinic. This test has gone through a more stringent processes and it looks like this particular test has about a 5% false positive rate. There's been four main types of coronavirus in circulation causing colds, so we want this blood test to be able to pick out if you have SARS-CoV-2, which is COVID-19 or maybe you have one of the other four. We want a blood test. We are trying to be vigilant in using the test.