Corpus Christi Medical Center will now require all staff and providers in patient care areas to wear masks.
“Our top priority is protecting our patients, clinicians, nurses, and colleagues so we can best serve our communities through the duration of this pandemic,” said Dr. Eric Deppert, chief medical officer of Corpus Christi Medical Center. “These new guidelines apply to all areas of our patient care facilities, not just those where suspected COVID or COVID-positive patients are being treated.”
Although the change will require the use of more masks officials say they are confident that HCA Healthcare has adequate supplies.
Staff and providers will now use three types of masks, depending on the clinical role, the type of care the patient is receiving, and the level of suspicion for infection with COVID-19.
Level one masks will be for all colleagues not needing higher levels of protection. Level three masks will provide additional protection from fluids and droplets and will be used by colleagues caring directly for suspected COVID or COVID positive patients, except when performing aerosolized procedures. Finally, N-95 respirators will be reserved for colleagues caring for suspected COVID or COVID positive patients and are the only mask that should be used during aerosolizing procedures.
"As this crisis evolves, HCA Healthcare will continue to evolve to meet the challenges. Since January, we have been continually monitoring PPE usage, carefully analyzing and implementing the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration for best PPE practices," says their press release.