We started this adventure called COVID-19 on March 16th as an organization. Four short weeks later we have experienced a tsunami of changes. I like to think we are a very flexible and adaptable team but this has definitely put us to the test. One common theme that I have seen over these last four weeks is that we are most definitely a family. We may fight and get frustrated with each other but at the end of the day we truly care about each other and want what is best for our patients. Collectively as a group we are passionate and committed. Those traits are very valuable to any team but extremely necessary in healthcare in the middle of a pandemic.
This is what four short weeks look like at Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics:
3/18/20 Limited entrances and screening process implemented along with curbside clinic.
3/20/20 Triage phone bank process implemented.
3/23/20 Shifted staff to working from home.
3/24/20 Telehealth implemented across all clinic locations.
3/26/20 Spanish triage phone line implemented.
4/2/20 Curbside Lab Clinic in Clarion Implemented.
4/6/20 Acute respiratory clinic implemented.
4/13/20 Acute pediatric clinic implemented.
There are a thousand other changes and adjustments you have all made but I wanted to highlight some of the most significant changes. All I can say is you AMAZE me!!
I had the privilege of participating in a call with CEOs from rural facilities across the United States this past week. While we are all experiencing similar financial devastation in the midst of this pandemic there was one common message from each CEO. What we want more than anything is to protect our most valuable resource, our staff. We are facing unprecedented times with no clear plan for what happens next but we will rise to the next challenge and stay true to our mission because we are Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics.
