WRH preparing for any COVID-19 patients in area
As Demopolis enters its second week of social distancing, take-out meals and empty churches on Sunday, the city’s first line of defense – Whitfield Regional Hospital – is preparing for what may come its way because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Doug Brewer, CEO/Administrator of the hospital, said urgent and emergent patients are being treated, but most elective procedures have been postponed. Cancer and wound care patients continue being seen, the Emergency Department remains open, and lab and radiology departments are handling tests.
But the hospital is not allowing any visitors, the Wellness Center remains closed, and the former obstetrical wing is being prepared in case any COVID-19 patients must be admitted.
The drive-thru test site has conducted a “sizeable number of tests,” said Brewer. Everyone tested has met the coronavirus criteria to some degree.
So far results have all been negative, but he added, “I wouldn’t draw any conclusions.” It takes anywhere from four days to a week to get results because of the high volume of tests being send to the lab from many sites.
Protocol now is to begin testing inpatient cases first since they are the most serious, which Brewer supports.
“That’s the scariest part – the unknown,” he said.
The hospital is preparing for any coronavirus cases that are presented. The former OB wing can be segregated from the rest of the hospital, protecting other patients and those staff members not treating the infected ones.
When the seriousness of the virus began to be known, “We made sure we were prepared,” Brewer said. “We’re in pretty darn good shape” with ventilators, personal protective devices and other needed supplies on hand.
Most of the cases in Alabama have been in major cities. Brewer said he already has been in discussion with UAB to take non-COVID patients should the Birmingham hospital need more beds. He said he doesn’t foresee a situation where WRH would accept COVID cases from other hospitals.
Brewer said the main concern is the high level of stress WRH employees are facing.
“It’s scary.”
He thanked local citizens for the encouragement they have shown the hospital staff.
“We’ve had incredible support,” he said. One person provided lunch for the entire hospital staff, and another sent a basket filled with treats.
Brewer asked that area residents let WRH personnel know how much they are appreciated. “Let the staff know they’re doing something meaningful,” he said. “We’re hanging in there.”