March 11, 2020
TO:
All Members of the RWJUH Family
FROM: John J. Gantner, President and CEO, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
RE:
Important RWJUH COVID-19 Update
As the local, state and national response to the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves, I will continue to provide you with updates regarding action planning and the state of preparedness here at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. As of yesterday, there were 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases in NJ; none of those cases were at RWJUH.
Earlier this week, an individual showing symptoms potentially associated with COVID-19 arrived at RWJUH and was admitted for observation and treatment. Today, it was confirmed that this patient has a presumptive positive case of COVID-19. The subject patient was admitted to an inpatient isolation unit where our Hospital followed all necessary precautions consistent with CDC protocols. In addition to this patient, there are several other patients being held in isolation at RWJUH awaiting laboratory test results.
We currently have a supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks in stock and our staff has been trained in their proper use. In response to potential national PPE shortages, the RWJBH Health System has identified additional suppliers to ensure that we maintain adequate supplies on hand. As we resort to new vendors to meet our PPE needs, additional training and staff education may be required.
In connection with our efforts to create the safest possible environment for our caregivers and patients, you will notice that we have installed tents outside of the emergency department. Our intention is to use those tents to prescreen patients before they enter the hospital. In this way, potential COVID-19 patients can be fitted with PPE in advance.
In addition, for the safety and well-being of our patients, their loved ones, our staff and the communities we serve, we have made temporary changes to our visitation policy as we continue to proactively respond to this serious public health issue.
For more information or if you have any questions about COVID-19, e-mail
COVID-19@rwjbh.org
.