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Hospitals Move Into Next Phase as New York Passes Viral Peak Hospitals Move Into Next Phase as New York Passes Viral Peak
(about 1 hour later)
Across New York City, hospitals have moved into a new phase in their battle against the coronavirus.Across New York City, hospitals have moved into a new phase in their battle against the coronavirus.
In the city that was hit hardest by the pandemic in the United States, the number of new patients and the daily death toll have dropped sharply. Many of the refrigerated trucks filled with bodies are gone. Doctors no longer routinely plead for help in makeshift protective gear. The emergency room at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, once overwhelmed, treats barely a third of the people it did before the outbreak.In the city that was hit hardest by the pandemic in the United States, the number of new patients and the daily death toll have dropped sharply. Many of the refrigerated trucks filled with bodies are gone. Doctors no longer routinely plead for help in makeshift protective gear. The emergency room at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, once overwhelmed, treats barely a third of the people it did before the outbreak.
“It’s like someone turned off the hose,” said Dr. Eric Wei, an emergency medicine physician and senior vice president of quality for NYC Health & Hospitals, the public health care system, referring to patient numbers in recent weeks.“It’s like someone turned off the hose,” said Dr. Eric Wei, an emergency medicine physician and senior vice president of quality for NYC Health & Hospitals, the public health care system, referring to patient numbers in recent weeks.
“There’s a huge psychological desire to be like, ‘Whew, we’re through the worst of it,’” he said, but cautioned, “It’s a challenge to fight that human nature to over-relax or say now we can just go back to how things used to be.”“There’s a huge psychological desire to be like, ‘Whew, we’re through the worst of it,’” he said, but cautioned, “It’s a challenge to fight that human nature to over-relax or say now we can just go back to how things used to be.”
Hospital executives and doctors, wary about what comes next as the city looks to ease out of its near lockdown, are asking whether this is a lull before a new wave of cases or a less chaotic slog. At hospitals, staff members are preparing for both possibilities.Hospital executives and doctors, wary about what comes next as the city looks to ease out of its near lockdown, are asking whether this is a lull before a new wave of cases or a less chaotic slog. At hospitals, staff members are preparing for both possibilities.
Health workers are still tending to nearly 500 critically ill Covid-19 patients around the city, but are admitting fewer than 100 new patients a day, down from the peak of nearly 1,700 daily in late March and early April, according to the city’s health department. Doctors are culling data to identify best practices in treating them, and institutions are seeking long-term care — or planning to create it — for those expected to remain on ventilators.Health workers are still tending to nearly 500 critically ill Covid-19 patients around the city, but are admitting fewer than 100 new patients a day, down from the peak of nearly 1,700 daily in late March and early April, according to the city’s health department. Doctors are culling data to identify best practices in treating them, and institutions are seeking long-term care — or planning to create it — for those expected to remain on ventilators.
At the same time, they are turning hot zones into cold zones, in hospital parlance — shutting some temporary Covid-19 intensive care units to restore them for regular use. Mount Sinai in Manhattan closed a temporary ward in its soaring atrium, while at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, empty beds have been moved into hallways.At the same time, they are turning hot zones into cold zones, in hospital parlance — shutting some temporary Covid-19 intensive care units to restore them for regular use. Mount Sinai in Manhattan closed a temporary ward in its soaring atrium, while at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, empty beds have been moved into hallways.
And institutions are revamping facilities and taking additional measures to control the spread of the disease. Elmhurst is decontaminating rooms as managers try to persuade community residents to come in for emergencies now and elective surgery as soon as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo lifts a ban imposed in March.And institutions are revamping facilities and taking additional measures to control the spread of the disease. Elmhurst is decontaminating rooms as managers try to persuade community residents to come in for emergencies now and elective surgery as soon as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo lifts a ban imposed in March.
Physicians there are increasingly worried that stroke victims, heart patients and those with other ailments may be dying at home rather than seeking help. “Patients who are sick need to come back to the emergency department,” said Dr. Stuart G. Kessler, its director.Physicians there are increasingly worried that stroke victims, heart patients and those with other ailments may be dying at home rather than seeking help. “Patients who are sick need to come back to the emergency department,” said Dr. Stuart G. Kessler, its director.
“It’s almost this eerie silence,” said Dr. Sylvie de Souza, chair of the emergency department at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, an independent institution where the daily E.R. volume last week was less than half of the 200 to 250 patients it typically saw before the pandemic. “None of us are at peace. We’re sort of bracing for it to come back. All of us are wondering, can we go through this again?”“It’s almost this eerie silence,” said Dr. Sylvie de Souza, chair of the emergency department at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, an independent institution where the daily E.R. volume last week was less than half of the 200 to 250 patients it typically saw before the pandemic. “None of us are at peace. We’re sort of bracing for it to come back. All of us are wondering, can we go through this again?”
The need to shift back to providing a broad range of care is urgent, both for public health and the future of hospitals and health systems, which have in some cases lost millions of dollars a day because of canceled surgeries and other lucrative services.The need to shift back to providing a broad range of care is urgent, both for public health and the future of hospitals and health systems, which have in some cases lost millions of dollars a day because of canceled surgeries and other lucrative services.
A recent analysis by the New York City health department found that from mid-March to early May, over 24,000 more deaths than normal occurred, with nearly a quarter involving people not believed to be infected by the virus. Many may have been caused by “delays in seeking or obtaining lifesaving care,” the study’s authors wrote.A recent analysis by the New York City health department found that from mid-March to early May, over 24,000 more deaths than normal occurred, with nearly a quarter involving people not believed to be infected by the virus. Many may have been caused by “delays in seeking or obtaining lifesaving care,” the study’s authors wrote.
Dr. Richard Schwarz, the medical director of Long Island Jewish, part of Northwell Health, the state’s largest hospital system, said it had to postpone about 12,000 surgeries since the governor’s order.Dr. Richard Schwarz, the medical director of Long Island Jewish, part of Northwell Health, the state’s largest hospital system, said it had to postpone about 12,000 surgeries since the governor’s order.
“Many of these people are quite sick and have gotten sicker,” he said, including those whose cancer may be metastasizing. Patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes are also a concern. Last week, he heard that surgeons had performed amputations on patients who might have kept their limbs if they had been able to be treated sooner.“Many of these people are quite sick and have gotten sicker,” he said, including those whose cancer may be metastasizing. Patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes are also a concern. Last week, he heard that surgeons had performed amputations on patients who might have kept their limbs if they had been able to be treated sooner.
“One of the things we’ve got to do a better job of advertising is that we right now have a Covid-free building,” he said. “Our main building is Covid-free.”“One of the things we’ve got to do a better job of advertising is that we right now have a Covid-free building,” he said. “Our main building is Covid-free.”
Here and across the country, health systems are working to restore staff, supplies and services while trying to protect patients and workers from contagion. But recent visits by The New York Times to a half-dozen of the worst-hit institutions showed that New York City hospitals faced additional challenges. Many workers were too fearful of another surge to feel much relief at the slowdown.Here and across the country, health systems are working to restore staff, supplies and services while trying to protect patients and workers from contagion. But recent visits by The New York Times to a half-dozen of the worst-hit institutions showed that New York City hospitals faced additional challenges. Many workers were too fearful of another surge to feel much relief at the slowdown.
More than 20,000 people have died from Covid-19 in New York City, according to the health department, which counts confirmed and probable cases. The daily coronavirus death toll in the city peaked at nearly 600 in early April; now it is fewer than 100.More than 20,000 people have died from Covid-19 in New York City, according to the health department, which counts confirmed and probable cases. The daily coronavirus death toll in the city peaked at nearly 600 in early April; now it is fewer than 100.
Dr. Colleen Smith, an E.R. physician at Elmhurst who recorded a widely shared video showing conditions in late March, said that even as the cases dramatically declined, the new normal did not feel normal.Dr. Colleen Smith, an E.R. physician at Elmhurst who recorded a widely shared video showing conditions in late March, said that even as the cases dramatically declined, the new normal did not feel normal.
“It felt surreal when it was crazy, and it feels surreal a bit now,” she said, sitting in protective gear in a nearly empty patient area. “The difference is so stark.”“It felt surreal when it was crazy, and it feels surreal a bit now,” she said, sitting in protective gear in a nearly empty patient area. “The difference is so stark.”
Hospitals are eager to restart elective surgery, a needed service that is also a major revenue generator.Hospitals are eager to restart elective surgery, a needed service that is also a major revenue generator.
At Elmhurst one recent day, staff members told hospital leaders that they were reviewing surgeries that had been delayed since March. They said they had a list of patients who should be operated on this month. That included cancer and neurosurgery patients who, in a tiered system released by Medicare in April, fell into categories marked “do not postpone.”At Elmhurst one recent day, staff members told hospital leaders that they were reviewing surgeries that had been delayed since March. They said they had a list of patients who should be operated on this month. That included cancer and neurosurgery patients who, in a tiered system released by Medicare in April, fell into categories marked “do not postpone.”
But preparing to resume the procedures is challenging because spaces reserved for surgery patients — post-anesthesia units, surgical I.C.U.s. and even operating rooms — were repurposed around the city to treat those who were critically ill with the virus. On Tuesday, Elmhurst still had 35 critically ill Covid patients, more than the total I.C.U. capacity it maintained before the pandemic.But preparing to resume the procedures is challenging because spaces reserved for surgery patients — post-anesthesia units, surgical I.C.U.s. and even operating rooms — were repurposed around the city to treat those who were critically ill with the virus. On Tuesday, Elmhurst still had 35 critically ill Covid patients, more than the total I.C.U. capacity it maintained before the pandemic.
Even if those areas can be freed up, medical institutions have to create a safe pathway for patients to avoid infection as they enter hospitals, move to operating rooms, undergo monitoring afterward and then recover or receive intensive care.Even if those areas can be freed up, medical institutions have to create a safe pathway for patients to avoid infection as they enter hospitals, move to operating rooms, undergo monitoring afterward and then recover or receive intensive care.
While Mr. Cuomo recently allowed some hospitals around the state to perform elective surgeries, he has not permitted those in the city to do so. According to rules he set, they and each county as a whole must keep at least 30 percent of hospital and I.C.U. beds available to maintain stability in case of another surge.While Mr. Cuomo recently allowed some hospitals around the state to perform elective surgeries, he has not permitted those in the city to do so. According to rules he set, they and each county as a whole must keep at least 30 percent of hospital and I.C.U. beds available to maintain stability in case of another surge.
“It’s killing us,” Gary G. Terrinoni, chief executive and president of the Brooklyn Hospital Center, said of the ban. “We have to be able to open up safely relatively soon or I think things will be tragic.”“It’s killing us,” Gary G. Terrinoni, chief executive and president of the Brooklyn Hospital Center, said of the ban. “We have to be able to open up safely relatively soon or I think things will be tragic.”
Capacity is also limited because some Covid patients are left needing lengthy treatment on ventilators. Only one hospital offering long-term acute care — part of the city’s health system — accepts such patients in the state. But it cannot accommodate those who require continuous sedation.Capacity is also limited because some Covid patients are left needing lengthy treatment on ventilators. Only one hospital offering long-term acute care — part of the city’s health system — accepts such patients in the state. But it cannot accommodate those who require continuous sedation.
North Central Bronx, one of the 11 public hospitals in the city, has raced to build a new I.C.U. Workers are laboring day and night on a unit with 120 beds, which doctors hope may be used for such patients instead. Northwell, a private nonprofit system that includes 23 hospitals in the metropolitan area, is planning to open two units for long-term ventilator patients.North Central Bronx, one of the 11 public hospitals in the city, has raced to build a new I.C.U. Workers are laboring day and night on a unit with 120 beds, which doctors hope may be used for such patients instead. Northwell, a private nonprofit system that includes 23 hospitals in the metropolitan area, is planning to open two units for long-term ventilator patients.
As hospitals clear out unneeded Covid units, they are taking extraordinary steps to clean them, to build confidence with the community and their own staffs. At Elmhurst, in one of the worst-affected neighborhoods in the city, the virus killed five employees and sickened over 470 others.As hospitals clear out unneeded Covid units, they are taking extraordinary steps to clean them, to build confidence with the community and their own staffs. At Elmhurst, in one of the worst-affected neighborhoods in the city, the virus killed five employees and sickened over 470 others.
Usually, once a patient room is empty, workers wipe it down, swab for biological matter and visually inspect it. Now, they also sanitize all surfaces, vacuum the vents, apply electrostatic spray and strip and wax the floors. At Elmhurst, even the dials on the walls that regulate suction are replaced.Usually, once a patient room is empty, workers wipe it down, swab for biological matter and visually inspect it. Now, they also sanitize all surfaces, vacuum the vents, apply electrostatic spray and strip and wax the floors. At Elmhurst, even the dials on the walls that regulate suction are replaced.
Employees there and elsewhere are taking an additional step: hauling ultraviolet lights into rooms, stepping outside and closing the doors as the machines inactivate any remaining viruses.Employees there and elsewhere are taking an additional step: hauling ultraviolet lights into rooms, stepping outside and closing the doors as the machines inactivate any remaining viruses.
But once an area is clean and safe for non-Covid patients, how to keep it that way?But once an area is clean and safe for non-Covid patients, how to keep it that way?
“Who goes there?” asked Dr. Maurice Policar, an infectious disease specialist at Elmhurst. “How do we vet these people?”“Who goes there?” asked Dr. Maurice Policar, an infectious disease specialist at Elmhurst. “How do we vet these people?”
When new patients are admitted, he said, doctors must decide whether to put them in a ward for Covid-positive patients, where they may be exposed, or an intermediate area with negative pressure, designed to keep infectious particles inside each room.When new patients are admitted, he said, doctors must decide whether to put them in a ward for Covid-positive patients, where they may be exposed, or an intermediate area with negative pressure, designed to keep infectious particles inside each room.
For now, everyone is presumed infected until proven otherwise. Before transferring to a non-Covid unit, patients are tested twice for the virus. They also get a chest X-ray. And masks are worn even in areas reserved for uninfected patients.For now, everyone is presumed infected until proven otherwise. Before transferring to a non-Covid unit, patients are tested twice for the virus. They also get a chest X-ray. And masks are worn even in areas reserved for uninfected patients.
“We feel that that’s a level of protection, even if we miss it and some people are there,” Dr. Policar said.“We feel that that’s a level of protection, even if we miss it and some people are there,” Dr. Policar said.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The E.R. staff at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx was still dressed in masks, goggles, face shields, gowns, bootees and hair coverings on a recent afternoon, but it was no longer in constant motion. Nearby, rows of beds stood empty.The E.R. staff at Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx was still dressed in masks, goggles, face shields, gowns, bootees and hair coverings on a recent afternoon, but it was no longer in constant motion. Nearby, rows of beds stood empty.
At the peak, the hospital had about 425 patients coming in a day, a quarter of them requiring hospitalization and many critically ill, its chief of emergency medicine, Dr. Adrienne Birnbaum, told a group of engineers and hospital officials walking through the E.R.At the peak, the hospital had about 425 patients coming in a day, a quarter of them requiring hospitalization and many critically ill, its chief of emergency medicine, Dr. Adrienne Birnbaum, told a group of engineers and hospital officials walking through the E.R.
Workers unrolled measuring tape and stepped on construction ladders as Christine Flaherty, senior vice president of facilities management for the health system, reviewed airflow and infection control measures.Workers unrolled measuring tape and stepped on construction ladders as Christine Flaherty, senior vice president of facilities management for the health system, reviewed airflow and infection control measures.
The group plans to add movable, washable partitions as privacy barriers, install filters to capture airborne viruses, place computer screens in isolation rooms to communicate with patients from outside, install hooks for staff to hang their protective gear when they go on breaks, and pipe oxygen to new areas and monitor the patients receiving it.The group plans to add movable, washable partitions as privacy barriers, install filters to capture airborne viruses, place computer screens in isolation rooms to communicate with patients from outside, install hooks for staff to hang their protective gear when they go on breaks, and pipe oxygen to new areas and monitor the patients receiving it.
The staff would also raise plexiglass barriers to protect greeters, mark the floor with six-foot separations and space patients apart in waiting areas by blocking off seats.The staff would also raise plexiglass barriers to protect greeters, mark the floor with six-foot separations and space patients apart in waiting areas by blocking off seats.
As Ms. Flaherty walked through the I.C.U. construction site at North Central Bronx that same week, a colleague told her that the additional oxygen she had ordered was expected in 10 weeks. “I need it in two,” she replied.As Ms. Flaherty walked through the I.C.U. construction site at North Central Bronx that same week, a colleague told her that the additional oxygen she had ordered was expected in 10 weeks. “I need it in two,” she replied.
Many other items needed to restore medical services are subject to delays or are unavailable. At Lincoln, a white board in the command center had a handwritten list of nearly a dozen supplies currently or recently out of stock, including dialysis catheters, blood transfusion tubes and tourniquets.Many other items needed to restore medical services are subject to delays or are unavailable. At Lincoln, a white board in the command center had a handwritten list of nearly a dozen supplies currently or recently out of stock, including dialysis catheters, blood transfusion tubes and tourniquets.
Amid global shortages, the city’s public hospital system has centralized ordering of once common items, including disposable protective gear. The projected “burn rates” of gloves, masks and gowns — and the need for scarce medications like some sedatives and the antiviral drug remdesivir — remained high.Amid global shortages, the city’s public hospital system has centralized ordering of once common items, including disposable protective gear. The projected “burn rates” of gloves, masks and gowns — and the need for scarce medications like some sedatives and the antiviral drug remdesivir — remained high.
Last Friday, employees discussed a list of long-delayed orders for N95 masks. Danielle DiBari, senior vice president of supply chain, interrupted the meeting to call a vendor who had failed to deliver millions of them. He told her that the handful of Chinese factories making U.S.-approved masks were prioritizing the highest-paid orders, with costs about 500 percent higher than usual.Last Friday, employees discussed a list of long-delayed orders for N95 masks. Danielle DiBari, senior vice president of supply chain, interrupted the meeting to call a vendor who had failed to deliver millions of them. He told her that the handful of Chinese factories making U.S.-approved masks were prioritizing the highest-paid orders, with costs about 500 percent higher than usual.
“I don’t mind if they come in slowly, but they have to come in,” Ms. DiBari told him. “I’m burning at a crazy rate.”“I don’t mind if they come in slowly, but they have to come in,” Ms. DiBari told him. “I’m burning at a crazy rate.”
That rate may only increase, even with fewer coronavirus patients, as services are restored and visitors are allowed again. Before the pandemic, the public hospital system treated about 16,000 people a day in its outpatient clinics, according to officials. Once it struck, only about a quarter of those patients conferred with clinicians, the great majority by phone or video.That rate may only increase, even with fewer coronavirus patients, as services are restored and visitors are allowed again. Before the pandemic, the public hospital system treated about 16,000 people a day in its outpatient clinics, according to officials. Once it struck, only about a quarter of those patients conferred with clinicians, the great majority by phone or video.
Some doctors said they hoped some telemedicine services would be permanent. “It turns out that we can prevent a large number of visits to the emergency room simply by getting good advice,” said Dr. Mitch Katz, the public hospital system’s president and chief executive.Some doctors said they hoped some telemedicine services would be permanent. “It turns out that we can prevent a large number of visits to the emergency room simply by getting good advice,” said Dr. Mitch Katz, the public hospital system’s president and chief executive.
As clinics reopen, visits will be staggered over extended hours to lower risk. Patients will be asked to preregister and undergo temperature checks at the door. The system is working to build negative-pressure rooms for those more likely to have the virus.As clinics reopen, visits will be staggered over extended hours to lower risk. Patients will be asked to preregister and undergo temperature checks at the door. The system is working to build negative-pressure rooms for those more likely to have the virus.
At the Brooklyn Hospital Center’s outpatient clinic sites — serving primarily low-income Medicaid patients — the staff was focusing on bringing in children who needed vaccines, pregnant women who required prenatal care and patients with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. But consultations were down by about 70 percent.At the Brooklyn Hospital Center’s outpatient clinic sites — serving primarily low-income Medicaid patients — the staff was focusing on bringing in children who needed vaccines, pregnant women who required prenatal care and patients with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. But consultations were down by about 70 percent.
“You wonder, truthfully, where are all these people?” said Judy McLaughlin, a senior vice president and chief nurse executive. “And what’s happening to them?”“You wonder, truthfully, where are all these people?” said Judy McLaughlin, a senior vice president and chief nurse executive. “And what’s happening to them?”
At the same time, the enormous pressure on health workers is presenting its own challenges. Hospital leaders realize they must attend to the emotional needs of employees across every line of service.At the same time, the enormous pressure on health workers is presenting its own challenges. Hospital leaders realize they must attend to the emotional needs of employees across every line of service.
At Elmhurst, therapists are available in a Covid support room where notes of encouragement and gratitude paper the walls: “This too shall pass.” “Not all superheroes wear capes.” “We love you.” A nearby room recently opened as a memorial to fallen colleagues.At Elmhurst, therapists are available in a Covid support room where notes of encouragement and gratitude paper the walls: “This too shall pass.” “Not all superheroes wear capes.” “We love you.” A nearby room recently opened as a memorial to fallen colleagues.
Mount Sinai this month announced an initiative to study stress in medical workers and offer them access to support groups and mental health treatment.Mount Sinai this month announced an initiative to study stress in medical workers and offer them access to support groups and mental health treatment.
But there are sources of stress that hospital officials cannot control.But there are sources of stress that hospital officials cannot control.
Seeing photos of people flouting social distancing, Dr. Wei said, “does feel a little bit like an insult to what we went through as a health care system and health care workers. We risked our lives to save as many lives as possible, and people can’t wear a mask — they can’t stay six feet apart.”Seeing photos of people flouting social distancing, Dr. Wei said, “does feel a little bit like an insult to what we went through as a health care system and health care workers. We risked our lives to save as many lives as possible, and people can’t wear a mask — they can’t stay six feet apart.”