HSA prepared for reintroduction of COVID in the community

The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) is prepared for any reintroduction of COVID in the community which has been part of our action plan for the border reopening.

“As a healthcare facility we regularly manage infectious diseases and have policies and practice in place to ensure the safety and of our staff and patients,” stated HSA CEO Lizzette Yearwood. “It is important that our patients understand it is safe to come to the hospital. COVID protocols within the medical setting involves additional PPE, sanitation and cleaning to ensure everyone’s safety.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, a small number of HSA Staff who had direct contact with the COVID-19 positive patient were placed in 14-day isolation as a precautionary measure,” Yearwood confirmed.

HSA has over 80% of staff vaccinated for COVID-19. Staff who are not vaccinated are required to undergo PCR testing every two weeks.

Dr Delroy Jefferson, HSA Medical Director noted that HSA formed a clinical COVID-19 task force that at the beginning of the pandemic that implemented COVID-19 clinical guidance, which advised our clinical teams how to manage hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory infection when COVID-19 infection is suspected or confirmed. “We are well prepared and have a treatment strategy for COVID positive patients,” stated Dr Jefferson. “These guidelines were developed based on recommendations from the World Health Organization, CDC, Public Health England, Health Canada, and the European CDC.”

“HSA has partnered with private health sector stakeholders to develop a coordinated health sector response strategy and ensure we all have the resources and supplies necessary to put into action this response strategy for patient care and the safety of all our staff.”

Based on the 2 positive COVID-19 cases without travel history or known contact with a traveller, HSA has moved plans up ahead of the border reopening, including resumption of the Flu Clinic and Respiratory Care Unit (RCU).

All staff, patients and visitors are reminded that facemasks are required at ALL HSA locations and will be strictly enforced. Masks are required in all areas of the hospital (ie: covered walkways, waiting rooms, elevators, hallways, cafeteria, atrium, blood bank, wards, etc). Persons are asked to please bring their own masks.

FLU CLINIC

HSA’s Flu Clinic is available will be open Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm starting Monday 13th September 2021, specifically for persons experiencing flu-like symptoms. After these hours persons with flu symptoms can also attend the Acute Care Walk-in Clinic (in the George Town General Practice Building) Monday – Friday until 8pm and Saturday 8:30am – 12:00pm.

The dedicated Flu Clinic is located in the space previously occupied by the Outpatient Mental Health Unit, on the side of the hospital facing the Seventh Day Adventist Church, to the far left of A&E. Signage on the hospital campus will direct patients to the Clinic. All persons at the flu clinic will be required to wear a facemask.

If you have flu symptoms please stay at home and contact your healthcare provider or the Flu Hotline. 947-3077, 1-800-534-8600 or flu@hsa.ky. Callers will speak with a health professional about your symptoms, screen for travel history, advise on what you should do e.g. come to the Flu Clinic, stay home in isolation, etc.

Flu symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Chills

If you experience worsening symptoms such as the below, call 911:

• Sudden dizziness and confusion;

• Severe or persistent vomiting;

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; or,

• Difficulty breathing.

Patients visiting the flu clinic can use the Seventh Day Adventist Church parking lot, just opposite A&E.

RESPIRATORY CARE UNIT (RCU)

Out of an abundance of caution, the Respiratory Care Unit (RCU) at the Cayman Islands Hospital has been reactivated. This Unit holds 6 beds and is for moderately symptomatic COVID-19 positive patients who do not require ventilation.

VISITATION POLICY

The Health Services Authority (HSA) is reminding the public that our visitation policy implemented as a part of its COVID-19 precautionary measures at the beginning of the pandemic will be strictly enforced at all HSA facilities.

The visitation policy states:

• Face masks are required at all times

• Visitors must be 18+ years old

• Visitors should check-in at the main atrium information desk and bring a photo ID (A&E visitors should still use the A&E entrance)

• One (1) designated visitor allowed to visit a patient in Accident & Emergency (A&E) for maximum 15 minutes. Visitors will be permitted at the discretion of the physicians and nurses.

• One (1) visitor per patient, per day, will be allowed on the Medical, Surgical, Maternity, Mental Health and Critical Care Units

• Two (2) persons (parents, guardian or caregiver) will be allowed for patients in the Paediatric Unit & Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

• In-patients who require assistance may have one (1) caregiver as part of their care team

• One (1) visitor will be permitted to accompany a patient to facilitate care or treatment such as an ambulatory visit, procedure or same-day surgery

• All visitors will be temperature screened prior to entering the Cayman Islands Hospital

• All visitors are asked to sanitize their hands upon entering and exiting both the patient’s room and the hospital.

• Visiting Hours are 11am – 8pm daily

• COVID-19 positive patients will not be allowed visitors

If you need to reach a patient room, please call 345-949-8600.

FLU HOTLINE

The Flu Hotline is available 24-hours for persons to call if they are experiencing flu symptoms or have any other concerns. 947-3077, 1-800-534-8600 or flu@hsa.ky

CLINICS & SERVICES

There is no interruption in patient clinics or services at the HSA at this time.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) & SUPPLIES

HSA has adequate supplies, equipment and therapeutics to manage the present situation. We have most standard medication recommended for use in the management of COVID-19 and have also sourced some newer immune modulating biologics. A total of 20 ventilators are available at the Cayman Islands Hospital should they be needed.