Preparing for Ebola

MUSCLE SHOALS – As the global response to the Ebola virus has ramped up, so, too, has the response of hospitals across the United States, throughout Alabama, and in the Shoals.

“We’re preparing everything we may need if a case of Ebola should present in our Emergency Department or elsewhere,” said Beth Loften, the Chief Quality Officer at Shoals Hospital.

In addition to admitting procedures that ask patients a series of vital questions, posters will be placed at all entrances of the facility.  Clinical employees are being briefed on proper protocol and the use of type B personal protective equipment that includes a double layer of gloves and boots, a hood, and full-body suit.

“Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is nothing new at our facility,” Loften said. “It’s part of what we use to protect ourselves and our patients throughout the course of a regular day. These type B suits, however, are specially designed to keep blood and body fluids from the patient away from the health care provider.”

Personnel are being trained in donning and doffing these suits as well as learning how to provide hands-on patient care while wearing the suits.

In addition to the suits, Shoals will provide an isolation room for patients that present with Ebola-like symptoms.

For details or to schedule an interview, please contact: Michelle Rupe Eubanks at 256-386-1808 or mreubanks@chgroup.org