Protecting Patients and Staff at DSH Hospitals from COVID-19

DSH is actively working to plan and prepare for COVID-19 across our system, following guidance from the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other state and local partners. DSH is actively monitoring the rapidly changing situation so we can respond appropriately. Here are some of the most recent actions the department has taken:

•     DSH-Sacramento has activated the department’s Emergency Operation Center, and hospitals have activated their incident command centers and developed incident action plans to better communicate and coordinate our department’s response efforts.

•     Hospitals have updated their plans for infection control, respiratory protection, and pandemic response.

•     Normal hospital visiting has been prohibited until further notice, except for court-ordered evaluations, other legal matters, or end-of-life care. In the event of other special situations in which visitation may be considered, approval of the hospital’s medical director would be required. All approved visitors are subject to a health screening.

•     All hospital employees are being screened as they arrive for work. Employees who do not pass the screening are sent home.

•     Patient triage areas are being established outside each hospital’s Reception and Release areas. This will allow patients to be screened for symptoms prior to entering our hospital buildings.

•     Spaces have been identified and prepared for isolating patients with symptoms.

•     Telework is available for positions that are eligible, to the extent that the department can still fulfill its critical essential services to the public.

•     Employees have received, and continue to receive, information about how to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19, including activities involving personal hygiene and social distancing.

•     Members of the Executive Team serve as members of regional and national workgroups and associations with members from other state hospitals across the country. They are monitoring trends and best practices of our state hospitals and other healthcare systems who are planning, preparing and responding to COVID-19.

These actions and others by DSH are part of an ongoing process that will be continuously improved and strengthened by guidance from the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other state and local partners.