Week in Review 4/12/21

Week in Review 4/12/21
04.17.2021

Visitation Policy Changes for Friday, April 16

Due to vaccine efficacy, and community dissatisfaction, we are expanding visitation from our current policy, on a limited basis to vaccinated visitors starting Friday, April 16.

Printable policy

MHC Visitation Restrictions

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
  • The CDC and FDA released a joint statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine until they can review data involving six US cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).
  • CVST can be hard to diagnose, but signs and symptoms include headache, focal neurologic deficits, and new/unexplained seizure.
  • If CVST is suspected, patients should be seen in an ED and should get a brain MRI, as well as a CTA/v or MRA/v, as available. Neurology and Dr. Gary Rajah should be notified immediately if CVST is identified to discuss treatment.
  • MHC has paused plans to offer J&J vaccine to Healthcare Team members.

 

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing Now Available at MHC

MHC is now providing COVID-19 rapid antigen testing. Processes are different for symptomatic vs. asymptomatic.

MHC to Pilot Monoclonal Antibody Treatment

MHC has begun piloting a program to provide a 1-time infusion of Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab combination to qualifying high-risk non-hospitalized outpatients diagnosed with COVID-19. This pilot has begun in Kalkaska, and other regional sites will open soon. We’re working on a referral process for outpatients – don’t send patients to the ED for these infusions. Watch your email for updates early next week.

 

Northwest Michigan Health Services (NMHS) is No Longer Providing COVID-19 Testing Services

NMHS is shifting resources from COVID-19 testing to COVID-19 vaccination. Current patients will still have access to testing from their NMHS provider; however, others will need to use another community testing resource.

COVID-19 Collection Locations

MDHHS COVID-19 test finder

In-House COVID-19 Testing
  • Although testing has increased as a result of the current surge in local COVID cases, our in-house testing reagent supplies remain strong.
  • We have transitioned all non pre-procedure COVID-19 testing in-house, and are no longer sending COVID-19 tests to Mayo.
  • Pre-procedure COVID-19 testing will continue to be sent to outside labs.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Virtual Clinic Hours Expanding

Hours: M - Thr: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm; F: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm; Sat.: 9 am - 12 pm; Sun.: 9 am - 12 pm

COMPLETION REQUIRED: Foundations of Safety Culture (FSC) Training
  • Safety remains a top priority for MHC and FSC training is a key support to our commitment.
  • The training was stopped in March 2020 to comply with COVID restrictions and we have created a new learning platform to restart the program.
  • This 2-hour course, reviewed and endorsed by each MHC hospital’s MEC, is required for reappointment to the medical staff of a MHC facility and need only be completed once (not every 2 years at reappointment).
  • Providers who have not yet completed FSC training are asked to fulfill their requirement by 9.1.21.

 

 

Michigan Experiencing Blood Supply Shortage

Versiti Blood Center of Michigan’s red blood cell supply is critically low for all blood types (O in particular) and has enacted low inventory measures. Please carefully consider transfusion needs and cross match orders.

MHC Transfusion Guidelines

 

Mobile Blood Drive Search Tool

New Diagnostic Clinical Tool Now Available

KMS has launched a new diagnostic clinical tool: VisualDx.

KMS Library Resources Intranet