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As Broward Health and other health systems continue to adjust to the new normal created by the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been changes to Broward Health’s designated Level I and Level II trauma centers and Emergency Departments. The addition of enhanced safety measures for the protection of patients and caregivers have been implemented system wide to care for trauma and emergency patients transported to the healthcare system that serves the northern two-thirds of Broward County.
“We can say the world stopped, but traumatic injuries didn’t stop, which reinforces why we need all these resources here all the time,” said Jessica Holmes, R.N., regional director of trauma services at Broward Health. While much of our community’s businesses were paused, “we were still here providing the highest level of medical care.”
One lasting change at Broward Health’s trauma centers is that every trauma patient is screened and tested for COVID-19 without delaying treatment. In addition, the trauma physician and nurse team treating the patient proactively wear specialized personal protective equipment. Patients also quickly receive the specialized care they needed, distanced from other patients.“The times have changed, and precautionary measures are in place to further protect and comfort all patients visiting the Emergency Department,” said Broward Health North’s Emergency Department Regional Director Joann Franklin, R,N.
Hand sanitizer is available for all patients, temperature checks are completed – whether a patient is sick or not – and waiting room chairs are separated by six feet to allow for social distancing. Environmental Services cleans chairs as patients are called back into a patient room for care, and electrostatic cleaning is used in all patient rooms and common areas throughout the hospital.
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“We’ve never faltered throughout this pandemic,” said Chivone Hylton, R.N., nurse manager of emergency services at Broward Health Imperial Point. “The measures that have been put in place help ensure the safety of our patients and caregivers, but also mean that we can continue serving our community.”“It is important and safe to come to the Emergency Department so you can receive quality care quickly to improve your health,” Franklin said. “The more quickly you get in, the better it is for you. You don’t need to fear coming into the ER. It’s time to come in to get treated.”
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Allison Vandever, R.N., nurse manager in Broward Health Coral Springs’ Emergency Department, agreed. “The community should feel safe coming to the ER because postponing a visit can bring about a negative impact on their health outcomes,” she said. “Like all locations throughout our system, Broward Health Coral Springs is taking extra actions to mitigate infection through electrostatic cleanings and universal masking of all patients who enter the Emergency Department.”Although the future of COVID-19 is unclear, one thing remains certain: “Broward Health’s trauma centers will continue to meet the rigorous standards that the state of Florida requires for its Level I adult and pediatric and Level II trauma centers,” said Holmes. “In addition, Broward Health will continue to implement guidelines set by the Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”