UConn Health Takes Steps to Respond to Potential Ebola Cases

UConn Health has a well-coordinated plan for both inpatient and outpatient areas that addresses the detection and treatment of potential Ebola cases.

A reception area for patients at UConn Health. (Lanny Nagler for UConn)

A reception area for patients at UConn Health. (Lanny Nagler for UConn)

UConn Health has a well-coordinated plan to deal with the current issues surrounding Ebola Virus Disease, forming a task force that meets daily to monitor and respond to new information as it becomes available.

The task force is collaborating with the Connecticut Hospital Association, Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the most up-to-date care for patients and the safety of Connecticut residents.

A reception area for patients at UConn Health. (Lanny Nagler for UConn)
A reception area for patients at UConn Health. (Lanny Nagler for UConn)

“As an academic medical center, we’re able to bring together a strong multidisciplinary team of experts – from infectious diseases and emergency medicine specialists to clinical engineers and educators – to plan every aspect of our preparedness,” says Anne Diamond, CEO of UConn Health’s John Dempsey Hospital.

The UConn Health task force has rolled out a comprehensive training plan for both inpatient and outpatient areas to detect, treat, and respond to potential Ebola cases, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and containment.

Dr. Paul Skolnik, chair of medicine and an infectious diseases expert, who co-chairs the Ebola Virus Disease Task Force at UConn Health with Diamond, says, “I’ve been very impressed with the expertise and commitment of the skilled staff and physicians at UConn Health as the challenges of dealing with Ebola Virus Disease confront us.

“The broad expertise and knowledge at UConn Health allows us to respond in proper fashion to health care emergencies such as these.”

The UConn Health response includes:

  • Procurement of additional personal protective equipment and supplies, including a transportation “bubble” to move potentially infected patients;
  • Establishment of designated locations in the hospital to isolate potential Ebola patients;
  • Activation of a 24-hour Ebola hotline for staff;
  • Implementation of training drills, including the use of a decontamination tent;
  • Training, including specialized instructions using the UConn School of Medicine’s simulation lab to familiarize caregivers with the most advanced personal protective equipment.

The task force also regularly meets with housekeeping, facilities, clinical engineering, and waste management personnel to review protocols and ensure a comprehensive management plan at UConn Health.

Adds Skolnik, “At the center of everything we do is the health and safety of all during this rapidly changing health care situation.”

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