Barton Hospital prepared for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Hospital is prepared to handle a surge in COVID-19 patients with an extra 150 beds identified for use if needed, and if that supply is used, more space is ready to be used through the help of community partners.

This was from Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO & president of Barton Health who participated in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, hosted by the Tahoe Chamber.

Dr. Purvance said the Barton Healthcare system was created decades ago for both locals and tourists and has always served both. He said during high-tourist seasons, the South Lake Tahoe hospital could see 50 patients a day, including plenty of ski-related injuries and they are prepared to see three times that if needed with COVID-19 patients.

"That is a lot of surge capacity," said Dr. Purvance. He said other systems would aim for an extra 30-50 percent capacity.

He said additional beds would be added to other portions of the Barton Campus, including the Barton Urgent Care facility at Stateline, Skilled Nursing, and their Jean Avenue office, if needed.

They also have nine ventilators and six emergency rescue ventilators.

"Similar to all California hospitals, Barton is working closely with our county health department to coordinate a regional response to COVID-19," said Mindy Befu, Barton's director of public relations. "This response will allow regional hospitals to be prepared for a potential influx of patients."

An anticipated surge is expected in both nearby Washoe County and Sacramento County in the next two-to-six weeks and Tahoe won't be far behind. To date, Washoe County has had 415 cases of COVID-19 with 11 deaths. Currently, there are 32 people hospitalized. In Sacramento County, there have been 669 confirmed cases and 26 deaths.

As of April 10, El Dorado County had a total of 32 COVID-19 cases with nine of those around South Lake Tahoe and Meyers.

"I don’t want you to fear that we won’t be here," said Dr. Purvance.

Part of their success in handling cases is on the public's ability to abide by distancing guidelines of staying six feet apart if not at home. The longer that happens as a community, the chances of a big surge are reduced.

"If we did no social distancing, did nothing, 5,000 out of the population of 30,000 could get the virus," said Dr. Purvance.

If there was a big surge in April without a flattened curve, a worst-case scenario would create a need for 1,000 beds in South Lake Tahoe.

That changes the dynamic, Dr. Purvance said, and "we're in trouble."

"Stay home, stay healthy, let science catch up to the virus," he said.

Flattening the Curve

Flattening the curve reduces the number of cases of COVID-19 in the community to avoid overwhelming the health system, both here in South Lake Tahoe and across our region.

"Barton is working diligently to limit exposure and protect both patients and healthcare workers, by updating operations at the hospital and throughout the healthcare system’s network of medical offices," said Befu.

To aid in the flattening of the curve, everyone should follow the county's and state's orders to stay home unless you have an essential need to leave home.

Befu said this is crucial to help flatten the curve as is social distancing, wearing cloth masks in public and practicing good hand hygiene to help stay safe.

Changing Procedures

Healthcare systems can potentially be a source of spread of the virus, said Dr. Prevance, so Barton Health has redesigned their system and implemented procedures and practices to not let that happen.

He said all staff members, as well as patients, are screened daily and have their temperature taken. They have removed chairs from waiting rooms and eliminated most visiting hours. Elective procedures have been postponed.

"We are offering new platforms for patient care including a COVID-19 Health Line (530.600.1999) referring potential COVID-19 patients to in-person care at locations specifically designed to test for COVID-19, as well as, offering virtual visits for many other health care needs," said Befu.

There is now only one open entry point into the hospital, and that person entering is given a mask.

Personal Protective Equipment

Better known as PPEs, this life-saving equipment has been in short supply nationally. Dr. Purvance said their stockpile is depleted but current needs are being met.

"A surge would change that," he said.

Barton has a PPE conservation practice in place.

A South Lake Tahoe sewing force brought together by the Barton Foundation has resulted in over 1,500 cloth masks to the hospital, and more are being made daily. All staff members are wearing them, and those in contact with patients are wearing stronger N95 masks.

Also coming in are face shields created by locals with 3D printers and a donation drive has resulted in gloves and cleaning supplies.

Medical Corps

A call out to those with medical experience was made last week, resulting in 103 people responding to become a part of the Barton Medical Corps.

"It was an amazing outpouring of goodwill and willingness to participate in this evolving model," said Dr. Purvance. He said this helped with his level of confidence in their COVID-19 response efforts.