With one confirmed case of COVID-19 recorded (June 10) in Cook County, North Shore Health Administrator Kimber Wraalstad said collaborative efforts between North Shore Health, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and the Cook County Public Health and Human Services have been operating consistently, “as we were in Phase 2 over the last several months.”
Wraalstad addressed the hospital board at the board’s June 18 meeting.
Wraalstad said she meets daily with Sawtooth Mountain Clinic physician Dr. Farchmin and Grace Grinager from Cook County Public Health and Human Services to take part in North Shore Health briefings and Cook County Emergency Operation Center briefings.
“Guidance continues to change almost daily, so we participate in meetings and updates with the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Hospital Association, American Hospital Association, LeadingAge Minnesota, Leading Age National and Northeast Regional Preparedness Coalition.”
“Preparations are being made for Point Prevalence Survey testing of all residents and employees. That testing will occur in the future when there is a COVID-19 case with a resident, patient, employee, employee family, or if there are a number of positive cases in the community.”
A continuing challenge, noted Wraalstad, was obtaining more PPE’s (N95 masks, PAPR supplies, surgical masks, face shields, eye protection, gowns, gloves, etc.) in case they are needed.
Cash flow projections
Due to the expenses incurred for COVID- 19 preparedness, which included hiring additional staff for screenings and a potential surge, Wraalstad said, “We continue to see decreased revenue.”
Through April 2020, North Shore Health had spent $63,000 on COVID-19 planning and preparation related expenses.
Paul Goettl and outgoing North Shore Health Chief Financial Officer Vera Schumann (who is moving to Hawaii to take another position) have been continually updating the 26-week cash-forecasting tool. They are taking into account the ongoing effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has been having on revenues and expenses.
“Revenue projections are based upon the cash received for the same week last year and adjusted for current utilization, said Wraalstad, adding that the forecast is updated weekly with North Shore Health’s actual expenses.
On another note, this was Schumann’s last meeting— virtual as they all have been over the course of the last few months—and the hospital board thanked her for all of the excellent work that she has provided North Shore Health.
Care Center focused infection control survey
North Shore Health completed a Plan of Correction for a deficiency regarding active screening for employees. The Minnesota Department of Health issued final guidance defining “active” screening as meaning that when an employee arrives at North Shore Health, they must get their temperature verified by a fellow employee who initials it in the logbook. If there is no employee in the area, the person checking in must radio to request another employee to report to the screening area to provide the screening, which includes health questions.
The new policy was implemented June 8, 2020.
All employees have received instructions regarding active screening, including how to use a thermometer, checking for active COVID-19 signs and symptoms and how to converse with fellow employees who are being screened. Trained employees have signed a document stating they understand the new process.
The updated screening log includes initials of the employees and the signature of the verifying employee. Kimber said North Shore Health would continue to watch for guidance from the CDC, CMS and Minnesota Department of Health regarding active monitoring of health care employees and modify the North Shore Health system accordingly.
Serenity Garden
Plans are moving along to create a Serenity Garden, said Wraalstad. Nancy Kloski has volunteered to serve as the project manager and is working with contractors to obtain bids. She is also working with volunteer garden designers Monica Anderson, Michelle Lewis and Marilyn Morris about specific products that will be used in the hardscape.
Mary Sanders, who has been the chief proponent of the Serenity Garden, has been coordinating weekly meetings, preparing publicity, and focusing on the development of the Serenity Garden Friends group.
More than 30 people expressed interest in participating as Serenity Garden Friends, said Wraalstad, adding the goal was to complete the hardscape and plant some trees in the fall.
* The hospital board also reviewed the North Shore Health medical staff bylaws which were revised August 2012 and May 2020.
Leave a Reply