UMMC readies for H1N1 “influx”

University of Mississippi Medical Center leaders, administrators, faculty and emergency department staff are developing an emergency management plan in the event of a sudden and prolonged outbreak of the H1N1 virus.

In April, the World Health Organization declared an international public health emergency shortly after the initial cases of the “swine flu” were reported in Mexico. Although the majority of the cases worldwide have been mild, the spring pandemic demonstrated the need for H1N1 readiness, according to Dr. Rathel “Skip” Nolan, acting chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases.

“The institution must be prepared to maintain its essential services while managing an influx of patients who may or may not have the H1N1 virus,” Nolan said. “We have to keep traffic congestion down in the ER by finding a way to properly segregate patients with other illnesses and the worried well – those with flu-type symptoms who do not have the H1N1 virus – from those that do.”

Key to that preparedness, according to Jonathan Wilson, clinical director of emergency services, is staff availability.

“Realistically we’re looking at an influx of patients with less staff than we’re used to,” – in worst-case scenario, as much as 30 percent less, Wilson said. “We have to be prepared to use staff multipliers – additional staff from other areas – to help in a supporting role.”

To maintain sufficient staff, Dr. Rebecca Waterer, director of student/employee health, encourages employees to receive the annual flu vaccination and the H1N1 vaccine, which will be available later this year. She said employees will be notified once the flu vaccines are available.

“As is the case with most disease transmissions, the best means of prevention is with diligent hygiene practices,” including covering the nose and mouth when coughing and frequently using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers to wash hands.

According to a memo from Nolan and Waterer distributed to UMMC employees last week, any employee with a fever of 100 degrees or higher – along with upper-respiratory or flu-like symptoms – should avoid large groups of people until they have been properly evaluated. Employees who experience these symptoms should not come to work, but must call their immediate supervisor. Once diagnosed with flu, employees must obtain a physician’s release before returning to work.

To set up a time for evaluation and testing for the H1N1 virus, employees may call the Office of Student/Employee Health at 4-1185.

2009-09-02 00:00:00 18980