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Southeast Georgia Health System resumed elective outpatient surgeries on May 4; elective inpatient surgeries will resume on May 11. The services are subject to specific safety guidelines and patients must test negative for COVID-19 within four days of their procedure.

“Over the last several weeks, we have developed effective and efficient operations to manage our COVID-19 patients,” says Vincent K. Arlauskas, M.D., chief, Department of Surgery. “Those factors, along with COVID-19 cases stabilizing in our region, informed our decision to resume elective surgeries. This was a data-driven decision made by consulting with several hospital departments, including: Critical Care, Infectious Disease, Anesthesiology, Surgery Ob/Gyn, Pathology and Hospital Medicine. We are pleased to offer surgical care again, and are doing so with our full focus on patient and staff safety.”

On March 18, 2020, the Health System discontinued elective procedures to prepare for a potential surge of COVID-19 patients. The move was also deemed necessary to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilator capacity, blood supplies, medications and supplies to prepare for these patients.

As the COVID-19 situation emerged, the Health System established safety protocols. “We are screening everyone entering the facility for coronavirus symptoms,” says Michael D. Scherneck, president & CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “In addition, we require face masks, isolate possible COVID patients from other patients, limit visitors, actively encourage social distancing and diligently clean and disinfect our facilities.”

Patients planning to receive elective surgery will be tested for COVID-19 within four days of surgery. If the test result is positive, the surgery will be rescheduled for a future date. Those with a negative test result can keep their surgical appointment, but will be screened again for signs and symptoms of illness prior to their procedure.

The Health System’s ability to continue elective surgeries will depend on a variety of factors, according to Scherneck. “We have taken exhaustive measures to ensure that we can offer surgical services safely. We’re moving in the right direction, but if an increase in COVID-19 patients necessitates a return to crisis level care, we will temporarily restrict surgical services again. The entire process is being closely monitored by medical leadership.”

While acknowledging that COVID-19 requires health care facilities to maintain extreme vigilance for the foreseeable future, Arlauskas believes the Health System is up to the challenge. “Patient and staff safety is our priority. COVID-19 taught us the importance of resilience, flexibility and innovation. In the long term, I believe we are stronger as a result of the lessons learned. We appreciate the public’s patience as our Surgical Services teams roll out this process.”

About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, three immediate care centers, five family medicine centers and numerous employed physician practices. The Health System has multiple outpatient specialty care centers, including the only CyberKnife^®M6 Program in Georgia, and a Cancer Care Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The Health System is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health and Southeast Georgia Health System forming a highly integrated hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. For more information, visit sghs.org.

South Georgia Medical Center treated it’s first COVID-19 positive patient with convalescent plasma on Tuesday as part of the Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Study.

Convalescent plasma refers to blood plasma collected from people who have recovered from COVID-19. That plasma is then used to treat inpatients with advanced COVID-19 illness.

According to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Dawson, “It will take a few days to determine whether the infusion is therapeutic.” Dawson shared that there are already two additional patients enrolled in the program who should begin the treatment once the appropriate convalescent plasma is received.

To qualify to donate the plasma, the blood donor must have recovered from COVID-19 and be otherwise eligible to donate blood. After donation, the blood is processed in the lab to obtain the plasma component. The plasma, which contains antibodies that may attack the virus and help to speed up recovery, is then infused into the patient.

SGMC is asking patients who have tested positive for the virus and recovered to donate plasma at Life South Community Blood Centers. This donation will be processed to make the convalescent plasma required for the clinical trial.

All donations collected by LifeSouth will stay in our community and will be used exclusively for SGMC patients. If you have recovered from COVID-19, and would like to help, please contact LifeSouth at 888-795-2707 to set up a special donation.

SGMC was accepted and registered as a participating site on Monday and patients admitted to the hospital with proven SARS-CoV-2 infection (the virus that causes COVID-19) may qualify to enroll in a clinical trial.

Mayo Clinic is the lead institution providing coordinated access to investigational convalescent plasma for hospitalized patients with severe or life-threatening COVID-19, or those who are at risk for the development for severe illness as judged by their doctors, and was designated to do so by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 3.

Enrollment in the study is based on the protocol’s preset exclusion and inclusion criteria and on the availability of an appropriate blood-type matched unit of convalescent plasma. Being admitted to SGMC with COVID-19 does not guarantee a patient will qualify for this trial, and even if a patient does qualify, because of probable limited convalescent plasma supplies, the patient may not be enrolled in this study and receive convalescent plasma. All participants will sign informed consent as required by the Mayo’s Institutional Review Board, a committee tasked with protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects.

There is no known safe and effective treatment for COVID-19. As in any clinical research study, it is unknown if the treatment will be therapeutic and there are risks involved. However, based on its use to treat other viral infections, researchers hypothesize that the plasma from recovered patients may contain antibodies that may help fight the disease.

Across America, people worry about being exposed to the coronavirus. Hospitals and doctors, straining to cope with the outbreak, have postponed elective surgeries and some routine procedures. Unfortunately, accidents and other health concerns will still happen, and usually at the worst times. What should you do if you have an emergency or urgent medical issue during these uncertain times?

“We’re all so focused on coronavirus right now that we may dismiss our other health care needs,” says Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “I want to assure our communities that Southeast Georgia Health System has the capacity, resources and medical staff to take care of their pressing health concerns. We are taking extraordinary measures to protect the health and safety of our patients and team members at our hospital campuses and Immediate Care Centers.”

Scherneck says people should still seek medical care for certain conditions, even during a pandemic. “Your health should always be a priority. Getting the right care at the right time can make the difference between independence or long-term disability, longevity or death. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, difficulty breathing, a severe injury—basically anything that threatens your life or limb–don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Care Center.”

If your condition isn’t life-threatening but needs prompt attention, Scherneck recommends going to one of the Health System’s three Immediate Care Centers. According to Adam Brown, director, Physician Practices, Southeast Georgia Physician Associates (SGPA), “Our Immediate Care Center team members are trained to treat urgent, non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. They can also diagnose problems and expedite a transfer to the Health System’s Emergency Care Center, if necessary.”

The Immediate Care Centers treat colds, the flu, fevers, sore throats, ear aches, upset stomachs, nausea or vomiting, UTIs, allergies, rashes and skin infections. They also treat strains, sprains, minor bumps, cuts and burns and minor insect or dog bites.

Although the Immediate Care Centers take walk-ins, it’s still preferable to call ahead if you can. “Calling ahead will allow us to prepare for your arrival,” says Brown. “You can describe your symptoms, and we can provide you with directions based on your health care need.”

Many of the SGPA providers also now offer telehealth appointments for non-urgent conditions. Similar to Skype or FaceTime, a telemedicine video call allows health care providers to see and speak to a patient outside of the doctor’s office. To participate, a patient must have a good WiFi signal and access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with a camera and microphone.

“While not all medical specialties are able to use telemedicine, many routine sick, follow-up and well visits can be conducted this way. We are increasing our telemedicine capabilities and using this technology as much as possible during this pandemic. Our telehealth system is invaluable to help us contain the spread of coronavirus and protect our community,” Brown explains. He recommends contacting your health care provider to find out if your medical or health issue can be addressed with a telemedicine video call.

The Health System is diligently working to halt the spread of COVID-19. Hospital visitation is limited, with rare exceptions, and all approved visitors and team members are screened for COVID-19 symptoms, which include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Medical and housekeeping staff have also increased efforts to uphold the facilities’ stringent cleaning and disinfecting measures.

In addition, health care providers working at both hospitals wear masks, gowns, gloves and eye protection when treating patients confirmed or suspected of having coronavirus. “Our team members follow strict protocols for putting on and removing their protective equipment,” says Steven F. Mosher, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in infectious disease and member of the Southeast Georgia Health System medical staff. Any patient diagnosed with coronavirus is assigned to a special “negative pressure” room. “These patient isolation rooms contain the virus inside the room. When the door opens, air can come inside, but cannot leave,” Mosher explains.

Individuals concerned they may be experiencing coronavirus symptoms can call the Health System’s free COVID-19 Screening Hotline at 912-466-7222. The hotline is staffed with Health System nurses and health care professionals and will offer immediate access to SGPA providers, if needed. Patients who meet the criteria for an in-person coronavirus screening are given an appointment and instructions for a virtual or in-person physical exam and, if warranted, instructions for testing. The hotline is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“The key thing to understand is that we are dedicated to keeping our team members and community safe. We’ve been here for you during hurricanes and other difficult events, and we’re here for you now,” says Scherneck.

About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, two comprehensive Cancer Care Centers and multiple specialty care centers, including orthopaedic and spine care, joint replacement, breast care, maternity, outpatient rehabilitation, sleep management and wound care. The Brunswick Campus Cancer Care Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and offers the only CyberKnife^®M6 with MLC technology in Georgia. Additionally, the Southeast Georgia Physician Associates medical group includes more than 140 providers working in 20 different medical specialties at more than 50 locations. The Health System is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health and Southeast Georgia Health System forming a highly integrated hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. For more information, visit sghs.org.

When Charlotte-based Atrium Health and Macon, Ga.-based Navicent Health announced their strategic combination in January 2019, one primary objective of the partnership was to improve the depth and breadth of services offered to healthcare consumers in the Georgia market, particularly in the area of virtual care.

At that time, the two health systems announced that Atrium Health would invest capital and work with Navicent Health’s clinical experts to enhance services, particularly implementing innovative treatment models like virtual care to create the next generation of healthcare for Georgians. Earlier this year, the partners implemented a virtual behavioral healthcare integration program at outpatient clinics throughout the midstate, and also began virtual patient observation to provide added protection for certain at-risk patients, including those at risk for falling or those with certain cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Now, in the midst of providing care for those with novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the partners are pleased to bring the AtriumVirtual Visit platform to central Georgians. Through the Virtual Visit platform, healthcare consumers can connect directly to board-certified doctors 24 hours a day, seven days a week by using their phone, tablet or computer. Local providers from Navicent Health Physician Group, including primary care providers and pediatricians, will consult with patients through the Virtual Visit platform each day between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., ensuring patients continue to connect with their trusted local doctors during regular business hours.

“Together, we are increasing consumers’ access to their local primary care providers through this platform. Virtual care is an option we have been working to bring to healthcare consumers in our region, and now, more than ever, it is important that people have a healthcare option that they feel comfortable accessing. With concerns about COVID-19, many patients have cancelled checkups and avoided visiting urgent care centers, but we want to make sure these people are continuing to receive the care they need. The Virtual Visit platform has a proven track record, with outstanding scores on patient satisfaction surveys. We’re excited to bring this product to central Georgians so they can continue to pursue health and wellness as they shelter in place,” said Tom Oliver, MD, President of Hospitals and Clinics, Navicent Health.

The Virtual Visit platform is designed as an on-demand service, with no need to make an appointment. Healthcare consumers can access Virtual Visit by visiting https://www.navicenthealth.org/virtual-visit.html and creating an account. Once the patient logs in, they may browse doctor profiles and select who they would like to see by clicking a green “connect” button. If the doctor is available, he or she will appear on the patient’s screen. If not, the patient will be placed in a virtual waiting room and notified by text message once that doctor becomes available.

“By using the service, healthcare consumers can consult with their doctor, receive a real-time assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan. Virtual Visit offers a solution for conditions normally treated through primary and urgent care, such as allergies, bronchitis, sinus infections, strep throat, pink eye, hypertension, gout, rashes, stomach discomfort and urinary tract infections, We believe this will be a very useful service,” said Sanford Duke, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for Navicent Health.

Virtual Visit should not be used for life-threatening conditions. In the event of an emergency, healthcare consumers should call 911.

“One of the primary goals of our strategic combination with Atrium Health was to bring virtual care options to central Georgians. We began that with the virtual behavioral health and virtual patient observation programs earlier this year. Now, we have the unique opportunity to provide virtual primary care and urgent care appointments in the midst of a global pandemic. This option allows us to bring care directly to the consumer during this unprecedented time,” said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Navicent Health.

About Navicent Health
Navicent Health, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Navicent Health provides care for healthcare consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Navicent Health is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.

South Georgia Medical Center’s Laboratory has received its initial supply of COVID-19 testing kits and beginning next week will have the ability to preform tests with a rapid turnaround of less than two hours.

SGMC maintains a state-of-the-art full service lab which is accredited by The Joint Commission and operates both the Cepheid and BioFire Molecular Diagnostic Testing platforms, both of which have been approved by the FDA for COVID-19 testing. Cepheid testing kits arrived today and validation of the testing system is underway and will be ready for use thereafter.

“In-hospital testing capability is a game-changer for health care systems because of the rapid turn around and accelerated clinical decision making,” said SGMC Chief Medical Officer Brian Dawson.

“The rapid result helps our physicians admit patients to appropriate units quicker. Additionally, patients who no longer need inpatient care can be discharged sooner,” he said.

The in hospital testing will be initially performed on select inpatients only until more testing kits are made available. SGMC established a partnership with Mayo Clinic that allows for testing turnaround within 48 hours. This service will continue for all other patients tested thorough its laboratory service.

SGMC’s three board certified Pathologists oversee testing in Chemistry, Hematology, Blood banking, Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Histology and Pathology.

As a part of South Georgia Medical Center’s COVID-19 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), SGMC has now opened an Emergency Room Triage Tent to help coordinate care for a higher volume of Emergency Room patients with COVID-19 symptoms.

The 1,500 sq. ft. air-conditioned tent is designed to accommodate a larger number of patients seeking medical evaluation and care in an efficient and effective manner. Located just outside the front entrance of the Emergency Department, the tent will be staffed with personnel donned with personal protective equipment and equipped to allow the care team to conduct a rapid assessment then mobilize the patient to the next level of care.

“Patients who are screened, deemed low acuity and exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be directed to the ERTriage Tent. Patients presenting to the ER with other needs will enter the ER and follow the normal registration and triage process,” said Dr. Clark Connell, SGMC Emergency Medicine Medical Director. “The expanded triage area helps keep our patients and staff safe by creating more capacity within our ER, facilitating required social distancing for potentially contagious patients and allowing our team to have more room to accommodate a large surge of patients.”

Once inside the Triage Tent, patients will receive an evaluation to determine next level of care or treatment.

SGMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald E. Dean says, “Our COVID-19 response plan has been about anticipating growing patient demand in advance, adapting to the situation and what it presents and, it’s been about taking measured steps to ensure we accommodate our patients and our teams needs. By expanding capacity in advance of a large patient surge, we aim to maintain control and provide the safest environment possible for all patient types presenting to the ER and an equally safe environment for our workforce, both of which are our highest priorities.”

SGMC believes the next two to four weeks could necessitate even more measures to accommodate a regional surge of patients. The ER Triage Tent is designed such that its functionality will evolve as situation changes.

You’re young, healthy and bored. Before you tempt fate by throwing a coronavirus party, consider these current numbers from the Georgia Department of Public Health:

“I can’t stress enough – COVID-19 is not an ‘old-person’s disease’. In fact, coronavirus can make young people really sick, and some otherwise healthy young adults who have no comorbidities have died,” says Alan Brown, M.D., board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director, Hospital Medicine, Southeast Georgia Health. “Even when symptoms are mild or unapparent during what we believe to be the two to 14-day incubation period, the disease is highly contagious. You can easily pass it to a family member or friend who could die from the virus.”

Brown urges all Georgians regardless of age to practice common sense. “Stay at home if at all possible. When you do go out, stay six feet away from others. Wash your hands and disinfect frequently- used items. Avoid touching your face. You may also want to wear a mask as the CDC now recommends. The stay-at-home order won’t last forever. We will be able to begin socializing again, and when that time comes, you’ll want your loved ones to be healthy. For now, don’t risk your health or the health of the ones you love just because you’re bored.”

He adds a final plea. “If you’ve ever crammed for an exam, imagine doing that day after day, week after week. That’s what life is like for health care workers right now, with one big difference. People’s lives depend on us, so we’re depending on you. Please help us slow the spread of the coronavirus.”

The primary symptoms of coronavirus are fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Some people also experience fatigue and muscle pain. More advanced symptoms include trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion and bluish lips or face. The risk of symptoms becoming serious goes up if you have diabetes, a heart or lung condition or if you smoke.

If you experience symptoms or were exposed to someone infected with the virus, call the Health System’s Screening Hotline at 912-466-7222, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For COVID-19 updates, visit www.sghs.org or www.cdc.gov.

As the COVID-19 outbreak sweeps across the United States, rural areas are at risk of getting hit hard by the pandemic.

Augusta University Health has expanded its capacity for COVID-19 testing and is now acting as a reference lab to provide medical centers in rural Georgia and South Carolina with accurate results more timely.

“We know that having more timely COVID-19 test results, allows for hospitals to take better care of all of our patients while protecting our staff and preserving personal protective equipment (PPE),” said AU Health CEO Katrina Keefer. “We are blessed to have the testing capacity here so that we may support limiting the spread of the virus in local communities by more quickly identifying and isolating infected patients and health care workers.”

The specimens are delivered to the AU Health lab, and results are turned around within two days, often sooner.

Jefferson Hospital and Emanuel Medical Center are among the first rural medical centers to utilize AU Health’s COVID-19 testing services. Jefferson Hospital sent in their first samples on March 29, and AU Health was able to test and confirm three positive COVID-19 cases on the same day. Jefferson Hospital CEO Wendy Martin said the service AU Health provides is beneficial to their facility because they often have to wait nearly two weeks to get results when using a third-party company.

“Hospitals are facing challenging times during this outbreak, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work with AU Health in getting quick test results for our patients” said Martin. “Rural Hospitals often struggle with limited staffing and resources. These quick test results will allow us to ensure the utmost safety of our staff, patients, and community.”

Medical centers and businesses interested in learning more about this service should contact Jennifer Miller, vice president of Strategy and Business Development for AU Health, at jemiller2@augusta.edu.

(Atlanta, GA) – The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (GACH) today released the following statement from Monty Veazy, spokesman of GACH’s “Georgia Alliance for Community Hospitals” initiative, after Governor Brian Kemp’s announcement to increase coronavirus testing in the state of Georgia:

“I first wish to extend my gratitude to the hospital workers who are battling this pandemic on the front lines and are seeing first-hand the devastation of this virus. I further want to thank Governor Kemp and the Coronavirus Task Force members for taking actionable steps towards addressing the coronavirus crisis and working with our health experts to better understand the threat our patients and hospital workers face every day. The equipment being supplied to increase testing will help our hospitals gain a clearer picture of the spread of the virus, thus giving them better insight to more adequately prepare for any influx of coronavirus patients while still being able to treat and care for those with other medical emergencies.

“With Georgia having one of the highest uninsured and underinsured rates in the country, our community hospitals serve as a literal lifeline for hundreds of thousands of residents. It is mission critical that they continue to be able to care for their patients, especially during these unpresented times.

I recognize and appreciate Governor Kemp’s and the Task Force’s commitment to bringing an end to this pandemic as soon as possible.”

Jesup, GA – Natural disasters – including such pandemics as the coronavirus outbreak – can be overwhelming and seriously affect emotional health. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Helpline is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week and free resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling and support in dealing with the traumatic effects of a natural or human-caused disaster. The Helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Helpline specialists are trained to assist callers who have a range of symptoms.

“People who have been through a traumatic event can experience anxiety, worry or insomnia,” said Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, who is the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and who is the head of SAMHSA. “People seeking emotional help during an ongoing disaster such as a pandemic can call 1-800-985-5990 or can text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746 – and can find recovery and coping strategies.”

The Helpline immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling centers in the nationwide network of centers. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. More on the Helpline is at http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/.

For more information, contact the SAMHSA Press Office at 240-276-2130. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.