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News Dedicated to a Healthy Workplace
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November 2014
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Ebola Preparedness at BJC and BarnesCare
The current Ebola outbreak does not pose a significant threat to the U.S. However, BJC HealthCare and BarnesCare are taking the Ebola risk seriously, and are preparing for this high-impact though low-probability event.
Our primary concern with Ebola response planning is the health and safety of our patients and employees. Based on ongoing guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are preparing to respond effectively in the event any of our facilities receives a patient who may present with Ebola.
Key staff who may encounter a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient are being educated and trained to have a clear understanding of protocol and will be provided safe and effective personal protective equipment, including thorough training on its use. We are accustomed to using protocols that help us successfully contain infectious diseases every day. No employee or physician who has not been thoroughly trained will be allowed to care for Ebola patients.
It is important to remember that influenza will pose a far wider public health threat to the U.S. population over the next several months. We encourage the public to be proactive in protecting their health by getting vaccinated.
BJC HealthCare’s Ebola Preparedness Plan includes protocol for all outpatient facilities, including BarnesCare. This protocol includes a screening tool to assess incoming patients for risk of Ebola. Any patient presenting with a fever of 101 degrees or greater will be screened using the tool.
For more information, please visit the CDC website.
For tips on how to address Ebola concerns in the workplace, visit BJC EAP.
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