COVID-19 Messages

From San Antonio Regional Hospital



Infectious Disease Symposium - COVID-19 Vaccinations

Crisis Care Guidelines Provide Framework for Clinicians
to Provide Care with Insufficient Resources

1. The latest COVID-19 surge has resurfaced the potential need to draw upon the California SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Crisis Care Guidelines, a document released by the California Department of Public Health in June that no one whose daily work involves saving lives would prefer to ever need to use.
   
   • This unprecedented crisis has resulted in a new, harsh reality – the possibility of healthcare professionals having to manage scarcity.
   • The numbers and projections, as we approach 2 million cases in California, suggest healthcare workers may not have enough of what is needed – staff, personal protective equipment, testing capabilities, ventilators and other life-saving machines – to provide maximum care to each and every patient.
   • This is a grim prospect, and one whose gravity is deeply felt by healthcare leaders and clinicians.

      

2. The Crisis Care Guidelines – a framework for healthcare professionals to plan for a surge of unimaginable proportions – were developed by the state based on best practices throughout the country and guided by ethical principles.
   • The framework aims to ensure that if there is a shortfall of what is needed, healthcare systems respond in a coordinated, thoughtful manner to make decisions that protect the health of all Californians as best we can with the resources available.
   • Every hospital in California has access to these guidelines, and will operationalize them, if needed, in a way that will meet the needs of their patients to the best of their ability.
   • San Antonio Regional Hospital’s care team is working around the clock to effectively manage resources in the face of unprecedented patient needs. Every avenue is being pursued to maintain sufficient resources to care for the continuing surge of patients. If resources are scarce, the hospital will act in accordance with California’s Crisis Care Guidelines (click to view these guidelines).

      

3. Crisis care happens only when all other avenues are exhausted. Right now, there is still time to help reduce the need for these measures.

• Many regions in the state are near, at, or exceeding the current hospital ICU capacity, and models suggest more patients will be flooding hospitals in the coming weeks.
• San Antonio Regional Hospital joins hospitals across the state in asking all Californians to do their part to alleviate the strain on critical resources so we can do our part to care for those in need and save lives, including those of our friends and families.

Important Message to Our Community – December 10, 2020

How can you help?

• If you are experiencing COVID symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath, new loss of taste or smell, or other flu-like symptoms, call your doctor. Don’t wait...early testing and treatment may help you avoid a trip to the ER and possible admission to the hospital.
• Follow the recommendations of the CDC and our local and state health officials...stay at home as much as possible. Wear your mask and maintain social distancing if you need to leave your home to take care of essentials needs like a trip to the doctor, pharmacy, or grocery store. Also remember that gatherings outside of your immediate household should be avoided.
• If you have neighbors who are elderly or have a chronic condition, consider offering to pick up their groceries or medications when you are making a trip to the pharmacy or grocery store.

A New Day. A New Way.

Corona Virus Facts

Coronavirus Disease (also known as COVID-19) can cause mild to severe symptoms.  The most frequently reported symptoms include a cough, fever, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, but the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports a wide range of other COVID-related symptoms including chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.  Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications. Seek medical advice from your doctor if you feel you may have contracted COVID-19.