COVID-19 preventiom
Last updated July 20, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and fluidity of the current situation, Loma Linda University Health leadership, clinical experts and frontline providers are maintaining a constant focus on managing the organization’s response. Briefings are held daily with representation from all six hospitals and ambulatory clinics to review and discuss the needs, challenges and available resources, including daily census, supplies on hand, and proactive measures to ensure employee safety.
All employees across the organization are receiving regular communication on the latest information and processes in place to keep them safe and minimize the spread of infection.
Physicians and care providers are deeply committed to caring for their patients and are diligent about following the measures and processes that have been implemented in light of COVID-19:
Employee screening
All hospital employees are being screened before entrance to work, or on their unit. They will receive a temperature check and be screened for symptoms of cough, shortness of breath and sore throat. If an employee screens positive to one of the criteria, they will not be allowed to work and must follow CDC and LLUH established guidelines to be cleared to return to work.
Patient screening
Areas for patient screenings have been designated around campus. All patients are screened upon entrance into any of the facilities. Three medical surge tents were erected outside the emergency department, which can serve as a negative pressure/isolation space that is suitable for screening patients under investigation for infectious disease, such as flu or COVID-19. The tents are currently being utilized for patient care as deemed appropriate by hospital staff.
Telehealth
Many outpatient visits have now been moved to video visits for patients to still be able to speak with their provider while limiting physical contact. Our providers are committed to ensuring all patients have access to the care they need during this time. Patients can schedule virtual or telephone visits by visiting MyChart or calling their primary care provider.
Visitor restrictions
For the safety of our patients and staff, visitors are not allowed in any of the adult hospitals. Humanitarian exceptions will be allowed and will be determined by the charge nurse of the respective unit.
Children's Hospital patients are allowed only one approved visitor at the child's bedside per day. This restriction also applies in the pre- and post-operation areas, as well as the NICU. Additional humanitarian exceptions to these restrictions may be made by the Chief of Staff or their designee.
All visitors are being screened for symptoms upon entry to all LLUH hospitals and clinics.
Separate COVID Units and ICUs
In preparation for a possible influx of COVID-19 patients, Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital have designated isolation units to mitigate the spread of infection for adult and pediatric patients who are under investigation — or have tested positive — for COVID-19.
LLU Aid
To lighten the tremendous burden on Loma Linda University Health providers, several students from the School of Medicine formed a platform called LLU Aid. This group coordinates and mobilizes students to support and serve the anticipatory urgent needs of the entire LLUH workforce during this COVID-19 pandemic. They have launched this initiative with medical students and are planning to expand this to other Loma Linda University programs. There is already a list of students ready to serve. This project consists of a student volunteer-to-healthcare provider matching process where students can volunteer to help providers who request help with errands including grocery or food delivery, pet sitting, and/or wellness support such as prayer, Bible study or check-ins.
Commencement
As a healthcare sciences institution, we place the highest importance on the welfare and safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our community-at-large.
We had high hopes we would be able to have an in person graduation ceremony in September, but due to the ongoing surge of coronavirus cases in California, we will no longer be able to move forward with those plans. We wish the class of 2020 well in the continued pursuit of their professional careers. While we recognize the disappointment the graduating class must feel that they are not able to come back and participate in commencement ceremonies, we want to congratulate them on their opportunity to move forward throughout the world in their professions.
How the community can help:
Several community members have already reached out to offer support during this unprecedented time, and we are forever appreciative. To learn more about how you can help ensure our students and healthcare workers are protected and have adequate supplies, visit the COVID-19 support page.
For the latest information on how to prevent the spread of infection, visit the Loma Linda University Health coronavirus webpage or the CDC website.