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Source: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_e4ad19d4-c345-11de-819f-001cc4c03286.html
Sioux San Hospital, overrun by H1N1, cancels all regular appointments
Lynn Taylor Rick Journal staff | Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 4:30 pm | (0)
For the first time in memory, Sioux San Hospital has canceled all regular appointments in order to manage the overwhelming number of patients with influenza and to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Indian Health Service facility in Rapid City will see only same-day appointments until further notice, said Fred Koebrick, chief executive at Sioux San.
"We felt like it was important to do so we could ? protect patients from exposure to the flu," Koebrick said.
Dr. Leroy Clark, clinical director at Sioux San, said the facility has treated 422 patients with influenza-like symptoms in the past 30 days alone. That's in addition to the regular patient load.
"That's a large number for our patient population," Koebrick said.
The hospital "assumes that most of these are H1N1" cases, said Sarah Lantis, infection control/microbiology supervisor at Sioux San.
Clark said patients who have previously-scheduled appointments for check-ups or prescription refills will be better served if they aren't exposed to influenza.
"We're trying to reduce the exposure for our patients who aren't actually sick," he said.
The cancelations will also provide doctors with more time to adequately care for their patients with influenza and other illnesses, Koebrick said.
The hospital is also encouraging patients with influenza-like symptoms to stay home unless they are experiencing severe symptoms.
Lantis said patients with less severe symptoms -- fever, body aches, and nausea -- should stay home, drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest and take over-the-counter medications as directed.
Sioux San patients can call 355-2500 with any questions regarding their health or canceled appointments.
Contact Lynn Taylor Rick at 394-8414 or lynn.taylorrick@rapidcityjournal.com.
Sioux San Hospital, overrun by H1N1, cancels all regular appointments
Lynn Taylor Rick Journal staff | Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 4:30 pm | (0)
For the first time in memory, Sioux San Hospital has canceled all regular appointments in order to manage the overwhelming number of patients with influenza and to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Indian Health Service facility in Rapid City will see only same-day appointments until further notice, said Fred Koebrick, chief executive at Sioux San.
"We felt like it was important to do so we could ? protect patients from exposure to the flu," Koebrick said.
Dr. Leroy Clark, clinical director at Sioux San, said the facility has treated 422 patients with influenza-like symptoms in the past 30 days alone. That's in addition to the regular patient load.
"That's a large number for our patient population," Koebrick said.
The hospital "assumes that most of these are H1N1" cases, said Sarah Lantis, infection control/microbiology supervisor at Sioux San.
Clark said patients who have previously-scheduled appointments for check-ups or prescription refills will be better served if they aren't exposed to influenza.
"We're trying to reduce the exposure for our patients who aren't actually sick," he said.
The cancelations will also provide doctors with more time to adequately care for their patients with influenza and other illnesses, Koebrick said.
The hospital is also encouraging patients with influenza-like symptoms to stay home unless they are experiencing severe symptoms.
Lantis said patients with less severe symptoms -- fever, body aches, and nausea -- should stay home, drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest and take over-the-counter medications as directed.
Sioux San patients can call 355-2500 with any questions regarding their health or canceled appointments.
Contact Lynn Taylor Rick at 394-8414 or lynn.taylorrick@rapidcityjournal.com.