WellSpan Health provides updates on COVID-19 resurgence and response
Regional health system leveraging systemwide resources to support care for increased COVID-19 patients
WellSpan Health is stressing the need for renewed safety efforts in slowing the spread of COVID-19, as hospitalization rates increase at each of the health system’s acute care hospitals with some experiencing their highest patient counts of the pandemic.
The number of patients being treated for COVID-19 as of midday Wednesday stood at 181. That is more than triple the number of WellSpan patients hospitalized back in April and a significant increase from just last month.
“COVID-19 has challenged our health system in many ways, and through it all the resolve of our 20,000 employees remains strong,” said Roxanna L. Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health. “Our team is dedicated to fighting this virus as we continue to reimagine the way we deliver care for our community.”
WellSpan has increased its use of technology and telemedicine options to care for patients and help slow the spread of the virus. WellSpan has also leaned into logistics, launching a patient placement center to connect operations at all its hospitals. This hub streamlines the process for hospitals to share resources.
“Our hospitals have supported one another, and we’ve structured our response in a way that taps into the strength of the health system as a whole,” said John Porter, executive vice president and COO at WellSpan Health. “All of our care sites, each of our eight hospitals, and our 20,000 employees stand ready to work as one in response to the pandemic.”
While the preparations have ensured WellSpan has had enough equipment to keep team members and patients safe, its leaders say now, more than ever, the community needs to continue to help slow the spread of the virus. Continued rise of positive cases could put a large stress on resources and capacity at regional health facilities.
“With positive cases on the rise headed into the holidays, we’re concerned that family gatherings and other traditions could continue to contribute to the growing trend,” said Anthony Aquilina D.O., executive vice president and chief physician executive at WellSpan Health. “It’s important we each take the time to practice safe, healthy behaviors. A little goes a long way.”
WellSpan will be delivering holiday safety messages in the form of Public Service Announcements throughout the holiday season to remind community members of ways they can reduce the spread of COVID, including these simple recommendations:
• Limit gathering sizes – even small gatherings carry big risk.
• Avoid eating or drinking in groups.
• Follow masking and social distancing guidelines.
• Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently.
“We are dedicated to the communities we serve, and relentless in our fight against COVID-19,” said Gapstur. “We will continue to do everything we can to help protect and care for the members of our community.”
For the latest WellSpan information related to COVID-19 including a data dashboard for each WellSpan hospital and county statistics updated daily, visit www.WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.