Michigan officials, hospitals, organizations, and health care workers are preparing for Ebola.

“The Michigan Department of Community Health is talking with hospitals and responding to questions to make sure the health care community has accurate, up to date information,” said Nick Lyon, MDCH director. “We know that training and education are paramount to controlling the spread of infectious disease, and we are encouraged by those hospitals leading the way to conduct exercises and to prepare their medical staff.”

MDCH is urging health care facilities across the state to continue to assess their readiness to respond to patients with potential Ebola virus infection, especially as guidance from the CDC is updated.

“As part of preparedness statewide, we are discussing with hospitals the benefits of holding drills so their staff are prepared and informed about the appropriate practices and procedures for the care of a person who may have Ebola,” said Dr. Matthew Davis, chief medical executive with the MDCH. “Patient care and public health happens most fundamentally at the local level, when patients seek care. Being prepared is a priority in local facilities and across the state.”

“The Office of Public Health Preparedness routinely holds exercises to walk through the different scenarios we may face when dealing with infectious diseases,” said Dr. Jackie Scott, director of the OPHP. “We have well-established networks in place to effectively coordinate with our partners across the state to make sure potential Ebola patients receive the appropriate level of care.”

 

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