RWJUH COVID-19 Update
March 12, 2020

TO: All Members of the RWJUH Family
FROM: John J. Gantner, President and CEO, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
RE: RWJUH COVID-19 Update

As our hospital continues to respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), I will provide you with updates regarding action planning and the state of preparedness here at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. 

Following is today’s (Thursday, March 12) update regarding RWJUH’s response to COVID-19:

  • We have received confirmation from the NJDOH that two patients at RWJUH have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. We are strictly adhering to the recommended procedures and guidelines as directed by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NJ Department of Health. Both patients are doing well and are pending discharge. There are currently 29 confirmed presumptive positive cases in New Jersey. 

  • As of today, we have installed tents outside of the emergency department. These tents will be used to prescreen patients before they enter the hospital. By taking this precautionary measure, potential COVID-19 patients can be fitted with personal protective equipment (PPE) in advance.  

  • Temporary changes to our visitation policy are currently in effect as we continue to proactively respond to this serious public health issue. The revised policy is below for reference. 

  • CLICK HERE for the latest Daily Briefing Report that is sent out from the RWJBH corporate offices. The briefing contains additional up-to-date information regarding the impact of COVID-19.  

Last evening, I had the opportunity to visit the units providing care for these patients. I was both amazed and inspired to witness the spirit of dedication and teamwork that exists among our nurses, clinicians and ancillary staff as you continue to provide exceptional care during this challenging time. Please be assured, that our entire leadership team is here to support you and we thank you for everything you do for our patients. It is a privilege for me to lead such an outstanding team of professionals.

For more information or if you have any questions about COVID-19, e-mail [email protected] .
Elective Procedures/Admissions
We have received several inquiries regarding the Hospital’s position on elective admissions/procedures . These questions have been forwarded to Hospital Administration for consideration as they continue to develop contingency plans.

At this time, there is no formal recommendation to cancel elective admissions/procedures and you may proceed as scheduled . Physicians may make decisions utilizing personal judgement.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
N95 FIT Testing
Due to the worldwide shortage on certain brands of N95 masks , RWJUH has arranged to bring in stock of alternate vendors. These new masks require FIT testing .

RWJUH Nursing Education will be conducting FIT testing on the following dates/times:

Friday, March 13th 8:00 AM-12:00 PM Large Private Dining Room
Friday, March 13th 1:30 PM-10:00 PM Large Private Dining Room
Sunday, March 15th 6:00 AM-12:00 PM Large Private Dining Room

Members of the RWJUH Medical Staff can attend these FIT testing sessions. Lines can appear long, but they do move quickly.
Why Are We Postponing Large Meetings?
Source: CDC
Personal Protection/Guidance
The CDC recommends adhering to Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions for treating patients with confirmed or potential COVID-19:

  • Proper Hand Hygiene (not just when treating these patients, but all the time)
  • Proper Use of PPE
  • N95 masks should only be used when entering an isolated patient's room. The mask should be discarded after exiting the patient's room or care area and closing the door.
  • Be sure to properly don and doff eye protection, gloves and gowns. CLICK HERE for a video refresher on proper donning & doffing of PPE.
  • Use precautions when performing aerosol-generating procedures and collecting diagnostic respiratory specimens.

As per the CDC, proper hand hygiene and use of PPE limit the risk of exposure for healthcare providers . ( CLICK HERE for the CDC's Healthcare Provider Exposure Risk Classification Table.)

CLICK HERE for more from the CDC.
Updated Visitor Restrictions
RWJUH and RWJBarnabas Health have made temporary changes to our visitation policy , as we continue to proactively respond to COVID-19:

  • In all ADULT inpatient units, outpatient locations, and Emergency Departments, visitation is limited to ONE person at the bedside/accompanying the patient per visit.
  • In LABOR & DELIVERY, visitation is limited to ONE support person and/or significant other per visit.
  • In PEDIATRIC inpatient units, visitation at bedside is limited to parents & guardians of family care partners (limited to TWO people per visit).
  • In NURSERIES & NICUs, visitation is limited to parents or support persons (limited to TWO people per visit).

Additionally:

  • NO visitors under the age of 16 will be permitted.
  • NO gatherings of family members, friends and other acquaintances of the patient will be allowed in family lounges, waiting areas, lobbies, cafeterias or restaurants on campus.

CLICK HERE for the full updated RWJBH Visitor Policy.
For Your Office: COVID-19 FAQs
The RWJUH Medical Staff Office has produced a COVID-19 FAQ document that you may print out for patients and waiting areas in your office.

CLICK HERE or on the image below to download.
Additional Useful Resources