MHP Priority Care: We had over 100 patients seen in just one day last week. Our urgent care volumes were very busy over the weekend. Our current weekend volumes are double our normal volumes. The majority of patients are presenting with respiratory symptoms.

MHP Pediatrics: The pediatric practice is experiencing higher volumes as well. We have double the number of walk-in visits compared to our normal patient volume. Today, we had 19 walk-in patients in the first 45 minutes of opening. The majority of patients are presenting with respiratory symptoms and we have had several cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be severe in young children. As a result, some of our pediatric RSV patients have been transferred to Riley.

Emergency Department: Our ED was busy over the weekend. We had 78 patients on Sunday and 23 patients (30%) complained of respiratory issues. We are experiencing some delays with transferring patients. Many hospitals are on diversion and the majority of those is caused by a staffing shortage. Major Hospital’s staffing level has not reached a critical stage yet, but it remains concerning. The Emergency Department is averaging over 70 patients per day since August 1st.

Inpatient unit: Our inpatient volumes were higher than normal over the weekend. We have 3 vents in use currently. Of our vented patients, 2 are Covid+ and 1 is a suspected Covid+ patient. We are averaging between 8-9 Critical Care Unit patients per day. We currently have 8 Covid+ patients out of a census of 31 patients. 90% of our August Covid+ admissions were unvaccinated patients. The average age of those patients is 56. The average age of our vented patients is 53. Our patients who are currently on a vent are requiring higher levels of oxygen compared to this time last year. As of August 9th, Shelby Co remains at ORANGE status at a 10.62% positivity rate.

Covid Testing: Our NAA (PCR) send out tests are in plentiful supply and the average turnaround time is 24-48 hours. Our Rapid RNA tests are in very short supply and the turnaround time for these tests is less than an hour. These tests must be reserved for a limited group of patients due to the shortage.

Employee illness: Currently, 13 MHP employees are in quarantine. We have 10 Covid+ staff members and 3 with pending results. 6 employees returned to work today after completing their quarantine period.

Vaccine booster: Walgreens is giving the booster right now. Walgreens is following a list of permitted criteria to be eligible for the booster. MedWorks is not doing that yet. The booster is approved for active immunocompromised patients on a restricted basis. The Indiana Department of Health will host a webinar Tuesday, August 17th related to vaccine boosters.

Patient and Visitor masking policy: We are following the latest guidance from the CDC, SDOH and OSHA. The new policy is not an MHP policy, but a federal and state mandate for healthcare facilities. All entrants will be given a surgical mask or medical grade mask upon entry. Cloth masks are no longer permissible.

Chaplains and Clergy visitation: Chaplains and clergy will be allowed visitation for non-Covid patients. Exceptions will be made for end-of-life situations on a case-by-case basis.