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The Leadership Team at York Hospital would like to recognize all of the hard work and engagement from our Caregivers. Because of this, the hospital has made incredible strides during these last 6 weeks of focused Covid preparation and response. The talents, flexibility, and accomplishments of all York Hospital staff members will carry us all through this challenge together, with our community.

Preparation for Surge:
Thorough preparations for a Covid surge, whether that comes in a few days, a few weeks, or not at all, are well underway. Hospital staffing and resources are positioned to bring patients and caregivers safely through the days ahead. The COVID-19 hospital workgroup, consisting of Leadership, Trustees, providers, supply management, infectious disease specialists and hospital stakeholders, continues to meet twice daily during the week, as well as each weekend day, to guide responses across all locations and teams. Connections with other hospitals, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Maine Medical Center, SMMC, Portsmouth Hospital, and Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, as well the Maine State CDC and the Town of York Safety Officer, have opened communication about preparations and resources to assure all patients in the Seacoast area and Maine have the same access to COVID-19 precautions and treatments

Statistics:

Many have had questions about the numbers of Covid patients being seen. Statistics for York Hospital are as follows:

  • 13 Covid-positive inpatients have been treated so far during the pandemic
  • 31 outpatients have tested positive, out of a total of 334 outpatients tested (remember that most outpatients with symptoms are not currently being tested, in accordance with Maine CDC testing criteria)
  • There are currently 3 COVID-positive hospitalized inpatients and 4 “patients under investigation” (inpatients who are awaiting their test results)
  • YH has ample bed capacity available to safely care for the community, including 6 available ventilators, at this time

Rapid Testing:
The implementation of rapid COVID testing at YH is in the near future. The goal is to begin to use these tests, on at least a limited basis, by the beginning of next week.

Telehealth:
Telehealth visits have been made available for almost all YH appointments. This includes provider practice visits, physical/occupational/speech therapy visits, and Walk-In Care visits. York Hospital caregivers, IT, and Telehealth colleagues have worked to implement a system that is very accessible. In fact, daily provider practice telehealth visits achieved a record high number of 434 visits in one day! This speaks to the flexibility of YH patients and providers, as well as the hospital’s easy to use telehealth solutions. All patients are encouraged to utilize this technology as a safe way to receive care from the comfort of home.

Thank you to the Community!
York Hospital continues to be overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support from community businesses, individuals, and local organizations. YH providers and caregivers have received, and greatly enjoyed, the wide array of offerings, from delicious meals, coffee, and treats, to the much needed and utilized donations of hand sanitizer, PPE, face shields and, of course, the hundreds of masks that continue to be provided. As always, York Hospital is a part of the community, here to provide for you during these times of need, while never taking for granted everything that the community gives in return.  Visit our donation page for more information.

Wishing everyone safe and healthy days ahead from all of us at York Hospital.