A short thread on what my clinic of 80 healthcare workers (and I) have done to prepare for #COVIDー19 #COVID.

6 tweets in all. Happy to share resources w/ anyone.

@UHN @DrAliyaMD @AutoImmuneLiver @HotaSusy @KevinSmithUHN @BDHodges1

1) We are encouraging increased use of virtual care and telemedicine. Patients who are calling with concern about coming to the hospital are being offered virtual visits, if possible. We are preparing to take that a step further. @OTNtelemedicine

2) We have developed scripts and practical guidance for admins and clerks to follow when patients call with a history of travel, close contact and/or symptoms. We are trying to balance the need for care, knowledge that all fevers are not COVID, and safety.

3) We have translated hospital-wide materials into the languages our patients speak and read. That's the benefit of having multilingual staff!

4) We have committed to meeting frequently as a management group, and as a clinical team to address the situation as it evolves.

5) We recognize our fundamental social responsibility to our patients and colleagues. Our team will do what we can to minimize personal risk of exposure outside of the hospital so we can be here to support each other if the need arises. Perhaps this is MOST important of all.