Protecting our caregivers

At ChristianaCare, the safety and support of our caregivers is our No. 1 priority, as we manage the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the needs of our community.

To ensure that our caregivers have the supplies they need for personal protective equipment (PPE), we are following evidence-based best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and supported by the Delaware Division of Public Health for safe use of PPE under current conditions. Our caregivers are provided the correct type of masks for all clinical encounters in accordance with that guidance. Evidence-based decision-making is the best way to protect and care for our caregivers. It is also the best way for us to use our resources wisely and effectively to ensure that we have enough supplies now and into the future.

At this time, we have adequate protective supplies to help ensure the safety of our caregivers. We continue to monitor our current supplies, and conservation remains a top priority. Resource constraints across the country have added to the challenges we face. This has magnified the importance of following evidence-based guidelines to help ensure that we navigate this pandemic successfully and protect our caregivers from harm.

In addition, we have expanded our educational programs to make sure that our caregivers are trained and supported in using the proper evidence-based protocols for protecting themselves from this dangerous virus. Nurse educators are available around the clock providing hands-on training and support. We know that anxiety can be associated with caring for patients with COVID-19, and augmented counseling services are available to all of our caregivers through our Center for WorkLife Wellbeing.

All of our caregivers at ChristianaCare are serving together to address the pandemic, and the good news is that every day patients are recovering from COVID-19 illness and returning home.

We want to express our thanks for the generous and continuing support of our community. The donations of supplies and PPE are being put to good use to protect our caregivers. We urge everyone to practice social distancing, stay at home and follow the Governor’s direction. Together, we can flatten the curve and save lives.