The Sonoma Valley Hospital is prepared as possible for any cases of Swine Flu that hit the area, Dr. Robert Cohen told the Hospital Board Wednesday night. Infection Control Coordinator Courtney McMahon is well qualified, he said, and “we are monitoring the situation. It’s very dynamic. The virus could spread or it could burn itself out.”
The hospital is developing a Web site with information about the virus, which will provide daily updates and recommendations. It will explain how the virus is spread (most likely by sneeze or cough rather than handshake) and correct misconceptions (the virus is small enough to pass through an ordinary health face mask).
Current information is vital, Cohen said, along “with some homegrown common sense.”
In other board activity, construction of the new hospital is one step closer with naming of a firm to develop the project’s Master Plan. Ratcliff Architects of Emeryville was awarded the $620,000 design/build contract. Company principal Steven Steinberg told the meeting his firm has 25 years experience in healthcare architecture.
The Board also heard an update regarding an imminent decision on installing an Electronic Medical Records system in the hospital. Such a system could make the hospital eligible for up to $2 million in federal funds.
Hospital board hears plans for Swine Flu response
More from What's HappeningMore posts in What's Happening »
