L.A.'s Medical Center Workforce Is Prepared For Any Ebola Cases
"To ensure the highest level of vigilance, we are screening patients for Ebola risk as early as possible, from the minute they call us to schedule an appointment, and at all reception areas, outpatient medical offices and emergency departments," said Holly H. Kim, MD, an infectious disease physician and infection control officer at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center.
Renewed interest in disease control comes at a time when emotions and scientific knowledge about the deadly Ebola virus have met on a collision course. In Los Angeles County, where the population exceeds 10 million, valid concerns are being eased.
"We have and will implement the best practices to keep our members and communities safe," Kim said.
Who stands at the ready?
"Our Ebola response team consists of a group of highly-trained infectious disease physicians, including an infectious disease pediatrician, infection control preventionists and a complete medical care team."
How cautious is your staff?
"Patients arriving at any of our facilities, or who dial our call centers, are being screened for symptoms, a travel history or contact with others who may be ill."
How are you protecting your workers?
"We have trained staff on appropriate infection control measures, and are refining that training as recommendations change. We're also conducting simulation training and unannounced drills."
How must medical professionals guard against Ebola?
"Protection requires everyone to be consistent, meticulous and practiced in putting on and removing protective gear, and to adhere to infection control protocols."
Which covenants do you heed?
"Kaiser Permanente is following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health for early detection and care."
What happens if someone is symptomatic?
"If a person has a positive screening, we will activate our emergency plans, which include an infectious disease specialist being called into the case immediately."
What is your message to the public?
"Although it is highly unlikely that Ebola will affect patients in L.A., Kaiser Permanente is prepared to treat an Ebola case, while protecting other patients and our healthcare providers."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
