The safety and well-being of our patients and staff is our top priority. The following update is being provided to clarify recent Dayton-area news reports.

During a daily news conference covered by local news outlets, Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper, Public Health, Dayton & Montgomery County, identified that since April, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton has had nine staff members with confirmed cases of COVID-19. It’s important to clarify that nine is the total number of all staff members who have now recovered from the virus who serve in the Dayton region. This is not a count of active infections amongst our staff.

To be clear, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton currently has no known cases of COVID-19 amongst our staff. When we serve patients who are suspected of or have confirmed cases of COVID-19, we are following stringent, evidence-based infection control procedures to protect our staff, patients and their families, as we continue to serve the community. Should the situation change, we would work with Public Health and follow its guidance.

Mixed with the headlines of the day, we believe the report by Mr. Cooper was confusing and may have left many with the wrong impression. Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton currently has no known cases of COVID-19 amongst its staff. 

It is important for you to know that as a healthcare organization, we have and are likely to continue to serve suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. That’s our mission. No staff member who has cared for any suspected or known COVID19 patients has contracted or spread the virus through direct patient care. Thanks to continued diligence in following established protocols and guidelines, our teams continue to work to minimize the risk of transmission while delivering on our mission to serve our patients and families.

Throughout the pandemic we have followed evidence-based protocols along with guidance as provided by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect the well-being of patients and staff. A few of these items include temperature and symptom screenings, the use of face masks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff or visitors as appropriate.

At all Hospice Houses and inpatient care centers, we have followed ODH guidance and have reduced  visitation hours and the number of visitors permitted. We are working diligently to fulfill our mission by providing superior care and superior services to each patient and family we are privileged to serve. As suspected or confirmed cases are identified, we will work with the various agencies to test, report and protect our patients, families and staff.  

Restricted visitor and contractor guidelines are in place. All staff members are asked to follow published guidance for the use of PPE and other infection control procedures. All staff members should continue to treat COVID-19 just as they do with any other highly communicable, and/or drug-resistant virus. We have been hyper-vigilant and remain dedicated to infection control with ALL patients. 

All visitors and contractors are reminded to continue to:  

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then discard.
• Practice social distancing.
• Follow established protocols for wearing face masks or other PPE.
• Report symptoms of fever (100.0F or greater), worsening shortness of breath, or cough. If any of these symptoms are present, contact your manager. Stay home if you are instructed to do so.

All non-patient-care offices are working by appointment only. All visitors or contractors to any Ohio’s Hospice location will be required to wear a mask while visiting or providing services and will be screened for temperature before allowed entry.

Ohio’s Hospice and its affiliates are doing everything we can to safely support our patients, families and staff. We sincerely appreciate the support of the community as we confront COVID-19, together. 

If you have any questions, please contact a member or our Leadership, Care or Business Development teams or Craig Schrolucke at cschrolucke@ohioshospice.org at 937.256.4490.