Direct Line from Steve Edwards for 7/10/2020

COVID update

As I write this we have 16 COVID inpatients at Cox South. That number was 4-6 last week. The number of positive test results has grown from about 240 on June 22 to 440 yesterday. We have now tested over 17,000 patients. In this last week the percentage of symptomatic patients testing positive for COVID has been 9-11%. In previous months that percentage had been 0.5%. So we are seeing the disease grow. We have a strong supply of PPE, ICU and ventilator capacity.

We are now routinely treating patients with a combination of a steroids, Remdesivir and convalescent plasma. This appears to be making sharp improvements in outcomes. Early in March our COVID patient length of stay was routinely 20 days, and now it is typically closer to 4-5 days. In addition we have far fewer patients on ventilators. The supply of Remdesivir and convalescent plasma is limited, and could be a rate limiting factor in our ability to provide care.

The need for a masking ordinance

This week, I sent a letter to Springfield Mayor Ken McClure in support of a citywide masking ordinance. The Springfield City Council will discuss a masking requirement during the next council meeting Monday, July 13.

Inpatient COVID-19 testing

Due to the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community and for the protection of our staff and providers, all CoxHealth hospital inpatients over 3 months of age are now being tested for COVID-19, if the patient has not had a COVID test within four days of admission. The goal of testing is to limit exposure of an asymptomatic patient to providers and staff.

CoxHealth in the news

• KY3/KSPR, KOLR-10, KSMU and Springfield News-Leader reported on our support for a masking ordinance in Springfield.

• Dr. Robin Trotman, medical director of Infection Prevention at CoxHealth, conducted a Facebook Live to address questions and debunk myths about COVID. That event led to stories in the Springfield News-Leader, KOLR-10, KY3/KSPR and the Ozarks Independent. Previews of the event were also shared by the Joplin Globe, KTTS, Ozarks Independent, the Barry County Advertiser, Lamar Democrat, KOLR-10, and the Cassville Democrat.

• Information from Dr. Trotman, which he shared with the Washington Post, was also used in a story in Business Insiderabout the importance of mask wearing.

• St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on CoxHealth’s readiness for COVID-19.

• KSMU reported on CoxHealth’s new cochlear implant program.

New Cardiovascular Observation Unit at Cox South

A new Cardiovascular Observation Unit located on the fourth floor of the West Tower at Cox South will open officially Monday, July 27. The new unit will provide pre- and post-procedural care for patients having cardiac cath and electrophysiology procedures.

CoxHealth security officer earns two national awards

Eric Clay, CoxHealth’s Chief Security Officer, has been named Director of the Year by Campus Safety Magazine. Clay won in the health care division, and was one of only four security leaders in the country honored as director of the year. Additionally, Security magazine has named Clay to the 2020 list of “Most Influential in Security.” Honorees are chosen for outstanding leadership, innovation, mentoring, and success in the field of security and homeland security, and within their individual enterprise.

Walmart, Sam's Club hold campaign for CMN Hospitals

Local Walmart and Sam’s Club stores are supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth with a roundup fundraising campaign. Shoppers are asked if they want to round up their final total during check out, now through July 19.

Voice of the patient

"The team at CoxHealth made a very difficult stay more bearable. I can't say enough about the excellent care and their kindness."

Respectfully,

Steve