When Novel H1N1 Flu Knocks at Your Facility Door

4. Protect the Workplace Environment

While a normal attendance rate can seem reassuring, having sick employees on the job is anything but! Be sure to ask sick staff to stay at home. All personnel should administer daily self monitoring for signs and symptoms of febrile respiratory illness. Staff who develop any symptoms should not report to work, or if at work, should cease patient-care activities. Notification and sick leave policies should be in alignment so ill staff are able to stay home and recover.

5. Plan for a Surge of Patients and Increased Demands for your Services

ASCs can help in times of a pandemic in the community. Consider extending your hours of operation to include telephone triage of patients. This will significantly help assure continuity of operations during a community outbreak.

6. Know How to Deal with Patients Exhibiting Flu-like Illness

ASCs automatically screen patients for signs of illness before their surgery; this is especially critical during flu season, which runs from October through May.

7. Protect the Health of your Workforce

Keeping employees healthy is just as important as your patients’ health. Respiratory and eye protection are two items all healthcare personnel should be using when in direct contact with symptomatic patients. Plan to have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for your staff.

8. Provide Free Immunization Against Seasonal Flu

Several influenza strains circulate during the fall season. Annual immunization is recommended to protect your staff against common threats of the flu.