Texas County Memorial Hospital's emergency room in Houston has seen an increase in positive respiratory virus cases as Missouri enters its respiratory virus season, hospital board members learned during their most recent monthly meeting Nov. 28.
“During the last 30 days, 51 COVID-19 patients, 13 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and nine adenovirus patients have been reported in our emergency department," Courtney Owens, TCMH chief nursing officer, said. "Fortunately, we are not seeing a significant increase in influenza cases at this time." Adenoviruses cause respiratory illness such as the common cold, bronchitis and pneumonia. TCMH CEO Stace Holland added current COVID-19 symptoms resemble those of a common cold or flu, with such symptoms as runny nose, cough, sore throat and fatigue.
Owens highlighted the importance of adopting preventive measures to reduce the transmission of respiratory diseases, particularly through frequent and thorough handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, avoiding close contact, and getting vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
Flu vaccines are available weekdays, on a walk-in basis, in the lobby of the hospital’s Hutcheson Pharmacy, 1422 Sam Houston Blvd., Suite 100 in Houston.
Anyone with mild symptoms should seek care with their primary care provider and seek testing in a clinic setting if possible, she said, adding that emergency care should be sought if symptoms become problematic, such as difficulty breathing, dehydration or worsening symptoms.
Owens also reported to the board that the TCMH education department received a high-fidelity mannequin from the Phelps Health Foundation
“This advanced mannequin will simulate real-life scenarios, allowing new and seasoned nurses to practice and enhance their clinical skills,” Owens said. “The mannequin can breathe and change color and undergo various procedures, such as bag-mask ventilation, intubation, defibrillation, chest tube insertion and intravenous therapy.” She further explained that the TCMH education department plans to use the donated mannequin for specific education regarding mock codes, strokes and cardiac arrest.
Healthcare Foundation Director Jeff Gettys showed board members a wayfinder kiosk that will be installed at the hospital's main entrance, designed to provide patients and visitors alike with easy-to-follow directions inside the facility.
In addition to maps, the kiosk will have a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone for directions to be personalized on the user’s phone.
“The kiosk technology will hopefully enhance the overall hospital experience for visitors,” Gettys said.
April Crites, TCMH quality and risk management director, presented the quality results of the biannual mammography audit conducted in the radiology department.
Crites said the hospital started collaborating with Cape Radiology Group in March, and to date, the group's mammography interpretations have been “exceptional.” She noted the first audit conducted this year, concluded in June, showed an increased cancer detection rate of 2% over 2022 for the hospital.
Crites also reported that patient experience survey data from August through October shows TCMH ranking “very high” with patient discharge information and physicians treating patients courteously and respectfully, compared to the 2,325 hospitals surveyed.
Holland provided an update on the new TCMH surgery center during the monthly meeting, noting the facility’s opening is delayed “due to a busted heating coil” and installation of surgical lighting is expected to be completed by the end of January.
Required inspections will need to be completed before opening he added before confirming TCMH still plans to host an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony in February.
Holland also reported on the progress of the renovation of the former Sturgeon Chevrolet building, which will serve as the new TCMH Family Clinic and ambulance base. According to Holland, the renovation is going well and is expected to be completed by June 2024.
Linda Pamperien, TCMH chief financial officer, presented the financial report for October. The overall revenues for the month were up $511,186; inpatient revenue was up $219,291 from budgeted expectations, and outpatient revenue was up $227,915 for the month.
Also present for the meeting were Chief of Staff Dr. Tricia Benoist, Public Relations Director Helania Wulf and board members Steve Pierce, Joleen Durham, Allan Branstetter and Ross Richardson. Board member Dr. Jim Perry, participated in the meeting via teleconference.
To accommodate holiday schedules the December meeting of the TCMH Board of Trustees will be held at noon Jan. 2 in the hospital board room.
