Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and our response at Bridges to Beauty
Dear Friends of Bridges to Beauty
Due to the COVID-19 scare, the Governor, Louisiana Department of Health and local health authorities have issued a number to new mandates for the state. One was related to surgery centers. The mandate states that all nonessential surgeries and procedures are to be postponed for 30 days. In essence, only life or limb threatening surgical procedures can be performed throughout the city. This mandate is in effect until April 22nd. The mandate may be extended as needed by the State.
The mandate is intended to preserve precious medical resources for those medical personal dealing with coronavirus patients or those suspected of having coronavirus. The mandate allows our office to stay open for postoperative visits, but the Shreveport Surgery Center will be closed for nonessential surgery. Both businesses will do their part to assist our fellow medical professional to limit the spread of the disease and assist in curing individuals with the virus.
Concerning office visits, those patients who have had an operation within 8 weeks will be seen in the office for care. If the mandate is extended, those patients who are over 8 weeks from their surgery will be contacted or may call the office.
For convenience, we are rapidly arranging video conferencing for follow-up visits and patient discussions and consults. Information about the video conferencing and its access will explained on the website soon. We will send an email and social media methods when is available.
COVID-19 OFFICE PROTOCAL:
RECENT POSTOPERATIVE PATIENTS (within 8 weeks)
- You will be seen in the office to check operative results.
- For the protection of other patients and our staff please inform the staff:
If you
– have flu-like symptoms
– have been in contact with people with flu-like symptoms or COVID-19
- Your temperature will be checked for fever and we will see you as quickly as we can.
PATIENT GREATER THAN 8 WEEKS POSTOP
- Please do the following before coming to the office and we will try to call you before your appointment:
– Take your temperature at home, if elevated call the office and arrangements will be made to video chat with you.
– If you are coughing or sneezing you should remain home and call the office and arrangements will be made to video chat with you.
– If there are any questions related to your surgery and they are related to acute problem such as wound problems or unusual redness then call the office so we many assess your need to come to the office have a video chat. Call the office at 318-219-8555
– If there are any questions related to your surgery and they are not related to acute problems such as wound problems or unusual redness then call the office so we many assess your need to come to the office or have a video chat. Call the office at 318-219-8555
- If you have been in contact with anyone with fever, cough, sneezing whether due to influenza or COVID within 2-week period and you don’t have an acute problem we recommend waiting until these symptoms have been resolved for 2 weeks.
- Family Members: We request unless you need assistance all other members of your party remain in the car. Please leave your children at home.
- All patients will have their temperature checked in the lobby to insure no one has an elevated temperature.
CDC RECOMMENDATION
Please continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC related to personal behaviors. I worked in a Biosafety Level 4 Viral Containment Modulewhile doing research at Duke University Medical Center in the early 80’s. I understand the protocols associated with working with viruses and how imperative it is to follow them.
For Personal Protection: Measures to avoid getting COVID-19
- Wash your hands frequently and for a minimum of 20 seconds while in public places or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- If soap and water are not available, then use a sanitizer with 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Put a distance of 6 feet between you and other people
To Protect Other People:
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care
- Cough and sneeze into paper tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, then wash your hands
- Wear a face mask if you are sick, if not then using a face mask causes you to touch your face frequently to adjust the mask. It is not recommended to wear a mask if you are not sick. If you are taking care of someone who is sick, then wear one.
Clean and Disinfect:
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, desks, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
Options to Disinfect:
- Household beach: 5 tablespoons per gallon or 4 teaspoon per quart. Follow manufactures instructions for application and ventilation
- Alcohol solutions: Use at least 70% alcohol
- Other canned disinfectant can be used.
We will keep you up to date with our situation. Stay healthy!
From Our Staff and Dr. Bridges
(updated 3/22/20)