Various national and state experts are predicting a second wave of COVID-19 later this year, most likely in the fall. This potential second wave could be even more tricky because it could coincide with the normal flu season. Obviously, being prepared is key – while the brunt of the crisis in mid-March took facilities by surprise, we’re in a much better spot today to take a proactive stance. So how can healthcare facilities like yours take the right steps?
Here are a few tips on preparing your healthcare facility for COVID-19’s potential second wave:
- Stockpile as much PPE as you can. Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is absolutely essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19, not to mention other harmful viruses or agents. So make sure that your facility has a full stockpile of equipment like masks, gloves, gowns, etc. to protect your healthcare staff and patients. Some experts are recommending stockpiling enough PPE to last a full year – this may not be possible for every facility, but do your best.
- Keep up with sanitation efforts. Now is no time to slack on sanitation efforts around your facility. All it takes is one contaminated surface – a door handle, a chart, a bed railing – to spread a potential bug around. While research is now seemingly indicating that COVID-19 isn’t spread through surface contact as much as it is through person-to-person contact, it can’t hurt to be vigilant. So make sure your nursing staff and janitorial employees are aware of the protocol for sanitizing surfaces, washing hands, etc. to cut down on any possibility of contamination.
- Assess your ventilator and ICU bed capacity. If a wave of COVID-19 cases hits your facility this fall or winter, you’ll need be prepared with ICU beds and ventilators. One thing that the first wave of COVID-19 in the spring showed us was that this kind of equipment can be at a premium in many facilities. Do your best to predict what kind of equipment you’ll need and take steps to acquire it if necessary.
- Be ready to scale up staffing. Of course, you’ll need adequate staffing across various phases of care if an increase in COVID-19 cases hits your facility. Be ready to scale up on nurses, clinicians, pathology support technicians, support staff, and more as needed. Partnering with a staffing firm like BOS Medical can help!
Make Sure You’re Prepared
Make sure you’ll have the staff you need to combat a second wave of COVID-19 later this year. Contact the staffing professionals at BOS Medical to get help with your organization’s needs – it’s better to be prepared than to be left scrambling after the fact!
