The number of COVID-19 patients being treated at The University of Kansas Health system went down slightly since yesterday’s big increase. There are 15 patients being treated today for the virus, down from 18 yesterday. A week ago, there were 9. Seven of those patients are in the ICU, down from 8 yesterday. Three remain on ventilators, same as yesterday. Doctors believe we are seeing the first wave of patients exposed to COVID-19 over the Memorial Day Weekend.
Dr. Hawkinson joined the group again from his vacation in Florida to show what he’s doing to stay safe on the road. Also joining was Emergency Department physician Dave Lisbon along with Vibrant Health CEO Patrick Sallee to talk about the changes they’re seeing in patients seeking emergency care and care from safety net hospitals. Plus, they weigh-in on innovative tools and messages to help people assess their risk from COVID-19.
Dr. Lisbon said the number of patients coming to the emergency department is finally starting to pick up again, after low levels he’s never seen in his years of practicing emergency medicine. He says those who are coming in are sicker after putting off treatment for smaller problems, and more of those patients are being admitted to the hospital. He says the death rate from COVID-10 has slowed and the rate of new cases is flattening, but we have not beat the virus yet. He says it’s vital to avoid large gatherings. and continue wearing a mask, even if you get claustrophobic wearing one. He knows we’re tired of sheltering in place and social distancing, but to let up know would result in a surge of new cases.
Patrick Sallee explained how Vibrant Health has just observed 30 years as a community health center, caring for patients in Wyandotte County, and talked about its affiliation with The University of Kansas Health System. He says the virus knows no boundaries and can easily be spread between counties. He says they are offering COVID-19 testing three times a week and have begun seeing a lot more patients by telehealth to ease their fears about in-person visits.
Dr. Hawkinson joined the group live from a Florida beach near Tampa. He’s observed most beachgoers maintaining proper social distancing. He says as society reopens, it’s up to us as individuals, rather than relying on everyone else, to keep the virus from spreading. He addresses viewer questions on the safety of a couples dance, how advisable an 8-day scout campout might be and whether antibody testing will be useful in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.
As usual, Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer of The University of Kansas Health system, had the last word. He had a message from his remote cabin in the Ozarks where he’s finally getting in a little fly fishing. He described how he and his family safely made the journey and how everyone plans to keep safe on the trip.
Monday, June 15 at 8:00 a.m. is the next daily briefing call with Dr. Stites returning, and Dr. Hawkinson’s last day in Florida. He’ll talk about how he’ll travel safely back home. Also, health system therapists are working with the group The Battle Within/Frontline Therapy Network to provide free teletherapy services to first responders on the front lines of COVID-19 and protests. The teletherapy or in person support teaches resiliency and offers tools to help people better cope with their extraordinary circumstances. Whitney Logan, Clinical Director, Justin Hoover, Executive Director of TBW joins Dr. Greg Nawalanic, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Kansas Health System.
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