The PPMC executive leadership team could not be more proud of the truly extraordinary efforts that every employee has put forth during the COVID-19 crisis. Whether you have contributed on the front lines, in redeployed roles, via telemedicine, or behind the scenes, I am deeply grateful for your willingness to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic with remarkable resilience and heart.
Now, we are entering the next phase of the COVID-19 era, which Penn Medicine leadership have termed “Project Resurgence.” Resurgence — the careful reopening of service lines and return of staff to campus — is crucial not just for our hospital’s economic stability, but also for our patients who deferred non-urgent treatment in an effort to help us flatten the curve.
Over the past several weeks, PPMC has seen a decline in COVID-19 cases and an increase in routine visits, surgeries, and procedures, and we have taken precautions to ensure the safety of our hospital community. As we care for both COVID and non-COVID patients under one roof, we have separated these patient populations to mitigate risks of exposure; this has required our highly specialized staff to show unprecedented flexibility. We’ve also installed new no-touch technology, implemented enhanced cleaning protocols, and continue to keep our density down by limiting visitation.
Researchers at Penn and many other institutions are working tirelessly to better understand COVID-19 and to develop new treatments and a vaccine, but in the meantime, it is vital that we self-police our behaviors and hold each other accountable. Hospital leaders will continue to assess the situation, develop new solutions, and communicate with staff, but it is incumbent upon us all to maintain social distancing, use proper PPE, participate in thermal screenings, and practice vigilant hand hygiene.
Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we roll out our Resurgence strategy. I am confident that, together, we can learn to coexist with COVID-19 and deliver excellent care to our community.