WALLINGFORD –All acute care hospitals in Connecticut have completed drills in line with the Governor’s directive, and will continue to review and test their emergency and healthcare response plans as guidance and best practices evolve in the coming weeks and months.
Since the first report of an Ebola cast in the U.S., Connecticut hospitals have been preparing to provide the State with the best healthcare possible. On Friday, Oct. 24, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro held a round table discussion with representatives from more than 20 hospitals from across the state to talk about the impact of cuts to federally funded hospital preparedness programs in light of the Ebola situation.
Congresswoman DeLauro praised this week’s release of the CDC’s new, tighter guidelines for treating Ebola patients. The new information provides clear and consistent guidance and a higher level of protection for healthcare workers consistent with proven, effective approaches.
Armed with this new information, Connecticut hospitals have continued their collaborative approach to healthcare, including caregivers, community emergency response resources, and local, state, and federal government and agencies in their coordinated planning and response system.
Connecticut hospitals have been engaged in planning and sharing resources, and many had already established higher levels of PPE comparable to the new guidelines. Patient safety and the safety of doctors, nurses, and other frontline caregivers is paramount.
Through CHA, the Connecticut Hospital Association, CT hospitals participate in weekly statewide hospital meetings and calls to coordinate approaches on issues ranging from pre-hospital care to screening protocols and PPE. They are participating in multiple CDC calls weekly to discuss new developments and best practices in the detection, prevention, and treatment of Ebola.
