Direct Line from Steve Edwards for 4/24/2020

Prime, Inc. donates $700,000 for new COVID-19 unit at Cox South

CoxHealth announced that Robert and Lawana Low, on behalf of Prime, Inc., have generously donated $700,000 toward the new COVID-19 unit at Cox South – a figure that covers all construction costs associated with the project. The COVID-19 unit, a 51-bed ward-style Intensive Care Ventilator Unit, was completed at Cox South in just two weeks, for a possible surge of COVID-related illness. Watch this video announcement.

CoxHealth joins plasma clinical trial with Mayo Clinic

CoxHealth has joined a national clinical trial initiated by the Mayo Clinic to learn how convalescent plasma may help treat patients suffering from COVID-19. The health system is currently treating its first patient with the developing method of treatment.

In-house COVID-19 testing

CoxHealth started in-house testing for COVID-19 this week with the Cepheid GenExpert instrument. Due to availability, CoxHealth only has 200 tests with a possible additional allotment in May. This test methodology is highly regarded for its accuracy and fast turnaround of 45 minutes to one hour. We must prioritize the use of these quick-turnaround tests, and continue to work with reference labs for testing higher-volume, less-acute outpatients.

Time-sensitive, medically necessary surgeries and procedures

Last month, CoxHealth, like nearly every hospital in our country, discontinued elective surgeries and procedures. This was done to preserve PPE and free up capacity in the event of a surge of COVID-19 patients. As time passes, cases that were once considered elective can grow to become acute. In a careful and measured way, we are gradually expanding our current limited capacity to take care of these patients. A physician leadership team will prioritize these emerging cases in our facilities in Springfield, Branson, Monett and Lamar.

Retaining workforce with expanded labor pool

CoxHealth is creating new temporary positions to help our workforce during this period of low census. The system has already redeployed more than 400 employees in a variety of temporary roles due to COVID-19. These roles include entrance screeners, mask makers, mask decon, PPE coaches and training nurses for our COVID-19 unit. More temporary positions are being added to complete projects around the system, such as grounds work, painting, organizing, cleaning and more mask making. The goal is to create more opportunities for our workforce.

Voice of encouragement

“While I was there, no visitors were allowed due to the virus. I understand that this was for everyone's safety! The staff was wonderful in making sure that I wasn't lonely and everyone was so sweet. The staff here is beyond fantastic. With them keeping me up to speed with everything that was happening, genuinely checking in and making sure that I was OK, I didn't miss having visitors that much.”

Thank you for everything you do to support our patients and our community,

Steve