NMMC, MEDICAL CLINICS SET RESPIRATORY STRATEGY

TUPELO, Miss.—North Mississippi Medical Center and North Mississippi Medical Clinics are implementing a new respiratory etiquette strategy this flu season.

Anyone with respiratory symptoms who seeks care at the NMMC Emergency Department or at one of the clinics may be asked to wear a surgical mask and sit apart from other patients. “We want to take the best care of our patients with respiratory diseases and prevent the spread of these illnesses to others,” explained Ken Davis, M.D., NMMC chief medical officer. These precautions are based on the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Depending on the severity of respiratory symptoms, patients may be asked to wait in a designated area away from other patients. “We will move patients with respiratory symptoms into an exam room as soon as possible for further evaluation,” Dr. Davis added.

Patients who cannot wear a surgical mask will be provided with tissues and instructed how and where to dispose of them. Good handwashing will also be encouraged.

Emergency Department and clinic personnel will protect themselves from exposure by wearing masks while evaluating patients with respiratory symptoms. For more information about preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses, call Nurse Link at 1-800-882-6274.

-30-