March 13, 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 (Friday, March 13) update regarding RWJUH’s response to COVID-19:
- Earlier this week, we updated our Emergency Conditions and Inclement Weather Staffing and Absences Policy. The updated policy was distributed to all hospital directors. After assessing our staffing today, we have decided to activate this policy and it will remain in effect until further notice.
- Beginning Monday, March 16, RWJUH’s Laboratory will be able to handle a portion of the RWJBarnabas Health’s COVID-19 testing. This means that RWJBH facilities will not have to send specimens to Quest, LabCorp or the state. This will significantly decrease the health system’s reliance on the state lab and improve turnaround time. More information is provided in the attached daily briefing.
- We recognize that there has been extensive press coverage of COVID-19 novel Coronavirus and confirmation of additional cases will likely generate media interest. We remind all employees that all media inquiries must be directed to our Public Relations Department, which can be reached at 732-937-8593. As per hospital policy, employees are not permitted to contact or speak with the media unless authorized by a member of the Public Relations Department. In addition, employees are not permitted to share information that is confidential or proprietary to the hospital on any social media sites. CLICK HERE for a copy of the RWJBH social media policy.
- 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.
- Plans include operationalizing the emergency room triage tent to support a safe patient flow environment.
- Finally, as I mentioned in yesterday’s briefing all of our team members continue to excel in these most challenging times.
On behalf of our entire leadership team, thank you again for your hard work and dedication to caring for our patients.