Direct Line from Steve Edwards: 12/17/21

Dec. 17, 2021

COVID-19 update

Today we have 70 COVID-19 inpatients, a number that has been fairly stable this week, but two to three times higher than pre-Thanksgiving. Tragically, we have had an additional 17 COVID-related deaths in the past seven days at CoxHealth. I believe that if we had a natural disaster that killed 17 people, we would have visits from the governor and perhaps even the president. I hope we can remain mindful that deaths from this disease should not be normalized or marginalized: They remain tragic. We continue to lose beloved members of our community. Compounding this loss is the anguishing realization that most deaths are now avoidable with the protection of a vaccine.

It is almost assuredly a matter of time before the Omicron variant is identified in our community. Realizing the state of Missouri has struggled to competently run disease surveillance, for the past two weeks we have been sending samples to the University of Minnesota for genomic sequencing. As of the writing of this message, we have not yet identified the Omicron variant in any of our patients.

We are watching Omicron’s impact on the United Kingdom to model and prepare our response. It appears to be a monstrous wave, but likely less severe. It is believed the UK is experiencing 250,000 new infections per day, and that number could grow beyond a million per day after Christmas. The number of infections will likely grow beyond their testing capability, so the number recorded will likely be underestimated. This could well mean the United States could experience 2 to 4 million infections per day. (This will be beyond the US testing capacity.)

Given illness and quarantine safety rules, I believe this could fundamentally impact our national employment base, and leave critical points of failure in supply chain, service, manufacturing and other important elements of our economy. While the rate of hospitalization will likely be far lower than Delta, the sheer number of infections could still cause already busy hospitals to be overwhelmed. London hospitals are reporting 10% vacancy rates among their employees, and Omicron has not peaked. We need to be prepared for high vacancies rates in our hospitals.

It is encouraging that in South Africa, Omciron likely comprises 98% or more of total cases, now outcompeting Delta. While we are worried about the low vaccination rates in our community, it is expected that those unvaccinated will acquire some immunity protection once infected, and the more mild version of COVID will have lower death rate. The next few months may be difficult, but optimistically could be our pathway out of the pandemic.

Now is the time to get a booster, which data is showing may help reduce severe hospitalizations and deaths. Call 417-269-1300 to schedule one with us. if you acquire an infection, be sure to visit with your physician about monoclonal antibodies.

Cox College graduation
Today we recognized more than 150 graduates from Cox College at our first in-person graduation ceremony since the pandemic began, which was held in a modified format to keep everyone safe. Congrats to these individuals, and we look forward to the contributions they will bring to the field of health care.

CoxHealth East Battlefield ribbon cutting

We cut the ribbon at CoxHealth East Battlefield on Thursday, marking another milestone in our construction of new super clinics, and ultimately our efforts to bring convenient care to patients. This new 30,000-square-foot facility will open on Monday, and offer primary and walk-in care, physical therapy, as well as radiology and lab services. Urgent care will also be added in the coming weeks. More info about the facility is available here.

Cox Branson Community Spirit award
Cox Branson was honored last week at the Branson Chamber’s White Tie gala with the Community Spirit award. We are grateful for this honor, and will continue to work to be even better for patients when and how they need us.

Voice of the Patient

From a patient at Cox Barton County Hospital: “I live in a larger city (Wichita, Kan.), and I am convinced I got substantially better care at your hospital than I would have gotten in Wichita. I had a choice to go to Lamar or another hospital, and based on the recommendation of family (due to their previous experience), I am so glad I chose Cox Barton County!”

Thank you for all you do,
Steve