In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has come to realise the importance of social distancing measures and how to follow it diligently. Strict social distancing measures have resulted in fewer cases which have led to the lockdown being eased, although social distancing measures are still being followed vigilantly.
These rules are even more important in a hospital for obvious reasons, as the safety of both the patients and the medical staff is as important as ever. As the hospital staff are at the forefront of treating COVID-19 patients, their health and safety along with that of the health of other patients is important.
Social distancing is a critical tactic to help prevent the spread of the virus. In this piece, we discuss some protocols that need to be followed to keep medical personnel and patients of the hospital safe and sound.
Install Foot Traffic Solutions to Monitor the Flow of People
In order to promote social distancing, hospitals will benefit from installing automatic solutions that help monitor foot traffic at all times. In order to minimise physical contact with surfaces that could spread the virus, hospitals need to consider installing more automatic sliding doors, with an add-on system that helps manage the flow of traffic within the hospital.
Green and red LEDs installed at the entrance will help hospital personnel control the number of entries that can be allowed at a time. This system can be employed across multiple points of entry and exit to promote social distancing.
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Screens and Masks
The daily screening process for patients, staff and visiting family members will reinforce the importance of social distancing. Having a universal masking policy throughout the hospital will further help safeguard occupants from contracting the virus. Create dedicated testing areas at the entrance and car parks for people showing coronavirus symptoms. Ensure that you use automatic doors to their full potential here to curb and contain the spread of the virus.
Communicate Social Distancing Measures
Communicating important social distancing tips is essential, despite people knowing the dos and don’ts of being safe during the pandemic. It gives everyone the confidence and a sense of solidarity as doctors, nurses, clinicians and the healthcare team at large along with patients and families come together to do their best to stay safe. Posting signage across the hospital is recommended especially in the common areas so more people are aware of the role they play.
Making regular announcements and providing house-wide updates and information regarding team protocols and needs, emergency measures and key social distancing reminders will go a long way in ensuring that everyone is up to date with the latest developments to keep the virus at bay.
Telemedicine
With the help of telemedicine and work from home options, hospitals can create more space in their offices and corridors. This means team members, patients and visitors continue keeping safe and protected, as the density is reduced in the hospital for medication and treatment other than coronavirus. It’s all about limiting the number of visitors and with telemedicine, reducing this number is possible.
Foot Traffic Management
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, hospitals and healthcare establishments all over the world have experienced a significant increase in the volume of patient care. Add to the mix patients who need treatment for other ailments and conditions, healthcare units have been operating at full capacity globally. Arrangements have to be made so that other patients can be given the necessary treatments for their conditions.
This means you have to actively plan and maintain a safe environment in the clinics, hospital wards and perioperative areas. To make things more manageable, you can consider initiating a drive-through clinic for vaccination that will enable your team members to take vitals of patients and administer vaccines at curbside.
Rearrange the seating in your waiting rooms to promote proper social distancing measures.
To Sum It Up
As healthcare providers, it is important to emphasise all communication that constantly reminds patients and staff that they must continue playing their part. This new environment of safety and care shows the bigger picture of a healthy future for patients, staff and families alike.
As we all adapt and embrace the new normal, we can look forward to integrating the changes that we have learnt from the pandemic.
The key is to ensure that your entrances and exits are well monitored so see to it that you partner with a sliding door repair company in Northamptonshire to guarantee optimum door performance!
Get in touch with Doorway Services for door repair and maintenance as you strengthen your social distancing measures.