Palmetto Infusion Response to COVID-19

Letter from our CEO, David Goodall

March 17, 2020

Dear Valued Palmetto Infusion Patient,

We recognize that with the constantly evolving COVID-19 situation, this is an unprecedented time for us all. Please know that The Palmetto Infusion family’s hearts and thoughts are with you.
 
As our valued patient—I want you to know you have our commitment to continue providing you with the medications and services you depend on for your health. We understand the responsibility of that— and continuing to meet that responsibility is our primary focus. For more than 20 years, Palmetto Infusion has focused on our mission to restore health and hope. This steadfast mission guides us as we closely monitor and respond to this situation.
 
In response to COVID-19, we have taken actions to ensure continued service to our patients. We at Palmetto Infusion are doing everything we can to ensure patient and staff safety. As it has always been, this remains our highest priority.

We take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in our clinic and home infusion processes at all times. We have taken additional measures developed in conjunction with global and local public health authorities to make our cleaning and hygiene protocols even more rigorous. Here are some of the additional precautions Palmetto Infusion is taking to protect the health and safety of our employees, their families, our patients and our communities while maintaining a consistent level of service:

• Our clinical teams are receiving ongoing communications and utilizing enhanced operating protocols.
• Our Clinical Support Technicians will continue to pre-screen patients for signs and symptoms of infection (fever, cough, abnormal shortness of breath, etc.) at the time of scheduling an appointment. If patients are exhibiting signs and symptoms of infection, the appointment will not be scheduled until all signs and symptoms have resolved.
• We will be doing a brief pre-screen of patients in the reception area for signs and symptoms of infection (fever, cough, abnormal shortness of breath, etc.) prior to starting their treatment. If the patient is exhibiting any signs and symptoms of infection they will be asked to leave and reschedule after all signs and symptoms have resolved.
• We are asking any patient who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of an infection to contact our scheduling department immediately at 1-800-809-1265 so that we can reschedule.
• We continue to follow our stringent protocols to clean and disinfect our facilities utilizing EPA approved germicidal disinfectant products for use against novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
• Ensure hand sanitizer is readily available in-patient care areas.
• Require staff to stay home if they are sick.
• We are prepared to act swiftly should we be alerted to a COVID-19 case at one of our clinics.

These additional measures have been taken to help mitigate the potential spread of the virus, to support our staff during this challenging time, and to ensure we maintain our ability to serve you, our patient, for the long term.

Many of you have questions regarding how this situation may affect your treatment. Below we are providing answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Question: Is Palmetto Infusion open and operational?

Answer: Yes, our clinics are fully operational under our normal hours.

Question: Should I skip my infusions until this outbreak is over?

Answer: When a patient skips treatment, they put themselves at risk of disease breakthrough or a relapse which could result in a hospital admission. It is our goal to treat our patients successfully in our clinics, and avoid hospitalization if possible, knowing our hospitals are likely to begin treating COVID-19 patients.

Question: What should I do if I have signs or symptoms of infection?

Answer: Our Clinical Support Technicians will continue to pre-screen patients for signs and symptoms of infection at the time of scheduling an appointment. Additionally, if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact our scheduling department at 1-800-809-1265 immediately. The appointment will not be scheduled until all signs and symptoms have resolved.

Question: What if I have questions regarding my medications?

Answer: Please contact Palmetto Infusion at 1-800-809-1265 and ask to speak with one of our pharmacists about your medication.

Question: What should I do if I am experiencing fever, cough or other signs of illness and have an upcoming appointment at an infusion center?

Answer: Please contact our scheduling department at 1-800-809-1265 to cancel and reschedule your appointment. For your safety and the safety of others, we will not allow anyone in the clinic who is exhibiting signs and symptoms of an active infection.

Question: What is my risk of getting COVID-19 at my infusion center?

Answer: The staff at Palmetto Infusion is experienced in caring for patients with weakened immune systems, and we have strict infection prevention plans in place to keep patients safe. Infection prevention plans are used all year, every year, to protect patients and healthcare workers from illnesses like the common cold and the flu. Palmetto Infusion’s Infection Prevention Plan includes all of the measures outlined above.

Question: Should I wear a mask when I am out in public to protect myself from COVID-19?

Answer: The CDC does not currently recommend that the general public wear face masks or respirators to protect themselves from COVID-19. Person-to-person spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 usually occurs from close contact (within 6 feet). Additionally, face masks supply is limited, and masks are needed for patients with COVID-19 illness and the families and healthcare workers caring for infected patients.

Question: How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

Answer: The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to use the same everyday strategies recommended to prevent the spread of similar illnesses like the common cold or the flu:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Practice social distancing.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately throw it away. If a tissue is unavailable, use your bent elbow.
• Try to avoid touching your face (to keep germs out of your nose, mouth, and eyes).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces in your home with a household disinfectant.
• Wash your hands. Yes, we’ve listed this twice! Handwashing is the very best way to prevent the spread of infection.

Should you have additional questions, please contact your local clinic, or email us at [email protected].

At Palmetto Infusion, the care and safety of our patients and staff is, as always, our highest priority. We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and will respond quickly regarding any updates to our clinics and processes.

Please be safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely,

David Goodall
CEO, Palmetto Infusion

For the latest updates on COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website or the WHO Website.

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