Ebola Virus Precautions: Washington Regional Prepared
A number of Ebola virus cases have been reported in the United States. As a precaution, Washington Regional has taken appropriate steps to be prepared should a person suspected of having Ebola Virus Disease, or EVD, arrive at any of our facilities.
“In addition to our standard patient assessment protocol, at our Emergency Department and at our clinics we have added screening tools recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” says Executive Vice President and Hospital Administrator Mark Bever. “These tools include important questions about recent health history and travel.”
Washington Regional’s healthcare providers are consistently trained on any potential infectious disease with established infection control policies and the CDC’s recommendation for personal protective equipment. Washington Regional Medical Center is also equipped with specialized rooms so any person with EVD would be safely managed in an isolated area.
“Fortunately, the medical staff has trained for this scenario, and we have the utmost confidence in treating and stabilizing patients with a life-threatening infection. We will also be protecting their families and the community from the threat of EVD,” states James “Buddy” Newton, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Washington Regional.
Washington Regional will also contact the Washington County Department of Health/Arkansas State Health Department and the CDC for guidance and instructions should a community member be diagnosed with EVD.
More information about EVD is available at the CDC website, www.cdc.gov.