Dodge City, Kan. – The staff at SunPorch of Dodge City believed they were doing a good job of helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. Now they have proof they were right.
Zero deficiencies were found during a recent on-site survey that focused on the virus. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services conducted a targeted infection control/COVID-19 focused survey.
SunPorch is both a short-term rehab and long-term-care facility at 501 W. Beeson Rd.
“Everyone in every department is responsible for maintaining the infection-control guidelines,” said Tosha Fields, RN, director of nursing services. “These guidelines are the processes we use to attempt to break the cycle of infection and prevent transmission from one person to another.”
State surveyors observed the team members’ screening process; personal protective equipment procedures; hand hygiene; all processes pertaining to dining and other activities; and basic care services.
Throughout this global public-health crisis, all visitation at SunPorch has been via phone, Facetime, Skype and other services. Physician visits are now tele-conferences conducted at the long-term-care residence.
Everyone is screened at the front door with a questionnaire prior to entering the rest of the building. Temperatures and oxygenation levels are recorded, and everyone wears a mask at all times during their work shifts.
“We also have turbo-boosted our cleaning and disinfection schedules,” Fields commented. “In addition, we are providing further in-service training regarding infection control and hand hygiene.
“We are so proud of all our team members. They are working hard to care for our elders and are extremely diligent about the processes we have in place.”
Ryan Salinas, SunPorch administrator, noted that “keeping our elders safe is always first and foremost in our minds. We have adapted to this new era of COVID-19 by enhancing our infection-prevention processes to keep up with the ever-changing requirements.
“Having state surveyors notice our efforts is similar to studying hard for that really tough exam and getting an A plus.”
