WellSpan Health announced today that the health system will waive all out-of-pocket costs for anyone who needs COVID-19 testing or treatment during the coronavirus outbreak.

For patients who have insurance or are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, WellSpan will collect the individual’s coverage information, but will not bill or collect any deductible, co-insurance, or any other payment for the screening, testing and treatment of COVID-19. WellSpan will also not charge individuals who do not currently have health insurance for testing or treatment of COVID-19 coronavirus.

"We recognize the need for prompt care for anyone impacted by this crisis and we want to remove any barriers people may face to receiving testing or appropriate care," said R. Hal Baker, M.D., senior vice president of WellSpan Health, and co-leader of the health system’s COVID-19 incident command response.

WellSpan hospitals limit visitation

As the COVID-19 coronavirus issue continues to grow, WellSpan hospitals are taking an additional step to practice social distancing and protect the health of its patients, staff and the greater community.

"Social distancing, and the need for everyone to avoid gathering in large groups or in hospital settings where people are trying to recover from various illnesses, is vitally important to limiting the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus," Baker said.

To protect patients, staff and community from the spread of COVID-19, visitation limitations in all WellSpan hospitals are now in effect until further notice.

Individuals are requested not to visit a WellSpan hospital at this time if:

• You are experiencing a cold, cough, or are sick;
• You have traveled internationally and returned to the U.S. in the past 14 days;
• You are younger than 18 years old.

In addition to these restrictions, visitation limitations include that only one visitor per patient at a time is permitted to visit a patient’s room. Clinical exceptions to this policy may apply in certain settings under the guidance of a clinician.

Visitors are permitted to visit a patient’s room but movement throughout the hospital and congregating in common areas is strongly discouraged.

All visitors should follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette precautions while in the hospital as well as good hand hygiene with sanitizer dispensers located throughout the facility.

Should the situation in our region change, WellSpan may add additional guidelines to patient visitation.

WellSpan is committed to providing trusted information to patients, medical professionals and the community.

The health system has established a web page for information and updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus: WellSpan.org/Coronavirus. The page includes general information about COVID-19, links to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pa. Department of Health web pages on the issue. In addition, the page includes “frequently asked questions” and a dedicated information area for medical professionals.

This webpage will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

About WellSpan Health

WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization includes more than 1,600 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a regional behavioral health organization, a home care organization, eight respected hospitals, approximately 20,000 employees, and more than 200 patient care locations. WellSpan is a charitable, mission-driven organization, committed to exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness and healthy communities.

Today and every day, WellSpan stands as a prepared and trusted partner for our friends and neighbors in Central PA – especially in times of uncertainty.

Confirmed positive COVID-19 cases are now present in our community. We face a pivotal point in our response to COVID-19, and together, we must slow the spread while remaining calm.

WellSpan has confirmed its first two patients with presumed positive results for the novel coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 illness. Although these are the first cases, they unfortunately will not be the last.

WellSpan has taken quick action to develop solutions for COVID-19 assessment and testing, while serving our communities and ensuring the safety of our physicians, advanced practice clinicians and team members. As a nurse and previous caregiver, I am incredibly proud of the tremendous dedication to serving our patients on the frontlines of this pandemic.

We’re committed to providing access to care for all. It’s why we’re removing barriers for care by going above and beyond the required legislation to provide online screening assessments and covering all out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

As a locally governed health system, this is WellSpan’s mission in action.

Please do your part to ensure the safety of our friends and neighbors, and yourself, as we respond together to COVID-19.

Remain vigilant and calm:

• WellSpan began preparations early in response to the identification of COVID-19 in other countries. It is part of our mission to be prepared for potential crises in our communities.
• WellSpan’s team of experts, including physicians and infectious disease specialists, have developed screening assessments and testing processes for our communities.
• WellSpan is leading the region with our swift preparation and response and active partnership with healthcare systems, community organizations and elected officials.

Slow the spread:

• If you are feeling sick, stay home. Minimizing exposure is the best line of defense.
• You can help slow the spread by practicing social distancing (stay at least 6 feet away from others), washing your hands frequently and using good respiratory hygiene (cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing).
• WellSpan has restricted visitation at our care locations as an additional precautionary step to protect the health of our patients and team members.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever with cough or shortness of breath:

• Do not visit doctors’ offices, urgent care locations or hospital emergency departments, unless you are experiencing a serious health issue. If you are experiencing a healthcare emergency – such as heart attack, stroke or major traumatic injury – please call 911.
• Take an online screening assessment or call for a phone assessment.
  • Use the Coronavirus Online Assessment Tool available at WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.
  • Call your primary care provider. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can call WellSpan’s Coronavirus Information Hotline toll-free at (855) 851-3641.
• Following your screening, you may be directed to one of the WellSpan open air testing locations in our communities.

Be assured, as your trusted partner, we will meet this challenge head-on. And we will do it together as one community, united.

Learn more about WellSpan's response to COVID-19 at WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.

WellSpan Health has confirmed that a worker at WellSpan York Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19.

The worker was immediately placed on leave to prevent further exposure to patients and staff. It is unknown how the individual contracted the virus.

WellSpan York Hospital leadership has notified employees who may have been in contact with this individual. The hospital is also contacting any patient who may have had contact with this worker to notify them of the positive result and recommend they be alert for COVID-19 symptoms – fever and cough, fever and shortness of breath, or a combination of all three.

"We are now seeing the spread of COVID-19 throughout our communities," said Roxanna L. Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health. "WellSpan stands as a prepared and trusted partner for our communities as we combat this new disease. But we cannot fight this enemy alone. We need everyone – our staff, our patients, our friends and our neighbors – to help stop the spread. If you’re sick, stay home. It can save lives."

WellSpan Health continues to follow the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pa. Department of Health as it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health system has implemented significant measures to limit the spread of the disease. These include developing a network of more than 10 outdoor testing locations across southcentral Pennsylvania, waiving all out-of-pocket costs for testing and treatment of COVID-19, enacting new visitor restrictions at all eight WellSpan hospitals, conducting mandatory COVID-19 health screenings at hospital entrances, suspending all volunteer activities, postponing non-urgent surgeries and procedures, and temporarily consolidating or suspending certain non-hospital outpatient community-based services

WellSpan Health has reinforced existing protective measures and added some new measures to ensure the health and safety of patients and staff, including:

• Requiring all staff members, physicians and clinicians working in a hospital Emergency Department to wear a surgical mask at all times during their shift.
• Implementing a new health monitoring process for all staff members and credentialed healthcare providers who work in a hospital Emergency Department. The new process will include mandatory temperature and symptom checks at the start of each work shift.
• Reinforcing WellSpan’s guidance to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and immediately contact their healthcare provider and the health system’s Employee Health and Safety Department if symptoms arise. Staff members are not to report to work if they are exhibiting symptoms.

Additional precautionary measures are likely in the coming days, as cases of COVID-19 continue to spread across southcentral Pennsylvania.

For more information and updates on WellSpan’s response to COVID-19, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.

WellSpan Health has opened care locations across south central Pennsylvania dedicated solely to providing non-emergency care for COVID-19 patients.

Patients who have no emergent health needs and are either confirmed or suspected by a healthcare provider to have COVID-19 can visit one of the following locations for non-emergency treatment of health concerns:

• WellSpan Adams Health Center, 40 V-Twin Drive, Gettysburg. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• WellSpan OB/GYN and WellSpan Pediatric Medicine, 2050 South Queen St., York, will provide primary care services for children and all adults at this site. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• WellSpan Urgent Care, 1000 Norland Ave., Chambersburg. This care location is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
• WellSpan Urgent Care, 101 Airport Road, Lititz. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

The following additional locations are scheduled to open on Monday, March 30:

• WellSpan Family Medicine – Cross Keys, 2900 Carlisle St., New Oxford. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• WellSpan Shippensburg Health Campus, 97 Progress Blvd., Shippensburg. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

These care locations have been temporarily redesigned to exclusively treat the non-emergency care needs of patients suspected, or confirmed, to have COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. WellSpan Health will continue to evaluate the need for additional COVID-19 clinic locations across the communities it serves.

"This is part of our ongoing efforts to prepare for the anticipated increase in the number of positive COVID-19 patients across our communities," said Tom McGann, M.D., executive vice president for clinical practice at WellSpan Health. "As a trusted partner for our patients and our communities, we’re doing our part to combat this new disease and reduce its spread."

"These dedicated care sites ensure our friends and neighbors with COVID-19 have access to the care they need, while also keeping our care locations as safe as possible during this pandemic," he added.

Patients who may be experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 – including fever and cough, fever and shortness of breath, or a combination of all three – are asked to call their primary care provider. Individuals who do not have a primary care provider, or need additional information, are encouraged to call WellSpan’s Coronavirus Information Hotline at 855-851-3641.

WellSpan continues to offer primary and urgent care services at care locations across the region for those who are not suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.

In addition, the health system encourages patients to take advantage of alternative care options, such as WellSpan Online Urgent Care, to receive care without the need to visit a care location in person. WellSpan Online Urgent Care allows patients to connect with a physician 24/7 using their computer, smartphone or tablet. Visit WellSpan.org/OUC to get started.

For more information and updates on WellSpan’s response to COVID-19, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus

How to Help

The physicians, nurses, clinicians, leaders and staff of WellSpan Health are grateful for the ongoing support of government leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare organizations and other community partners during this pandemic.

WellSpan is actively seeking donations of supplies, materials, blood, services and other needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about how you can help during this time, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus and click the "I Want to Help" button, or call the Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-855-851-3641 and select option 4.

About WellSpan Health

WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization includes more than 1,600 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a regional behavioral health organization, a home care organization, eight respected hospitals, approximately 20,000 employees, and more than 200 patient care locations. WellSpan is a charitable, mission-driven organization, committed to exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness and healthy communities. Visit WellSpan.org

Statement from Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health:

"A WellSpan Health patient, who had tested positive for COVID-19 and was being treated for the disease, has died. To protect the privacy of this patient, we will not be releasing any additional details. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the patient’s loved ones at this time of loss."

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across our communities, we have seen an increase in positive patient cases. Most will have mild symptoms, however some will be sick enough to require hospital care, and some will die from complications of COVID-19."

"But we can’t do it alone. We need everyone to come together, as one united front, to slow the spread and keep our friends and neighbors safe."

For more information about WellSpan’s response to COVID-19 and how you can help, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.

WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital announces today the hospital has achieved a Magnet® recognition, which recognizes healthcare organizations who provide nursing excellence, while also promoting successful nursing practices and strategies.

“WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital joins a prestigious group of hospitals known for excellence in quality care and professional nursing practice,” said Kris O’Shea, SVP and Chief Nursing Executive for WellSpan Health. “Only 8% of hospitals nationwide have achieved this designation.”

“WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital exemplifies the values and culture of WellSpan as a whole,” said Vicky Diamond, SVP, WellSpan Health and President, WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital. “This designation validated the foundational principles upon which WellSpan is built.”

The Magnet Recognition Program® focuses on furthering the goals of three major principles: promoting quality in a setting that supports professional practice, identifying excellence in the delivery of nursing services to patients, and disseminating “best practices” in nursing services.

The program was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 1990. They focused on 14 characteristics that ultimately created an environment to attract well-qualified nurses who promoted quality care.

What Magnet® Means for Patients

As a Magnet® accredited hospital, patients at WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital can expect the same high-quality care that they have come to know.

“The foundational characteristics of Magnet® hospitals are innovation, applying new knowledge to patient care, and continuous improvement,” Rosa Hickey, Chief Nursing Officer, WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital explains. “Our nursing practice is grounded in ‘finding a better way’.”

Research comparing Magnet organizations with non-Magnet organizations found those with Magnet recognition to be associated with lower rates of falls. They have also noted higher patient satisfaction regarding nurse communication, including information regarding discharge. In addition, they typically see higher employee retention rates and job satisfaction scores.

The Magnet® Accreditation Process

To become a Magnet® designated hospital, the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital staff went through a rigorous application process. This started with the submission of an application that demonstrates the qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding patient care and outcomes.

“Patient outcomes are associated with the quality of care nurses provide,” Hickey said. “Indicators that reflect this care are falls with injury, hospital acquired pressure injuries, central line associated blood stream infections, and medical device related pressure injuries. WellSpan Surgery& Rehabilitation Hospital outperformed the Magnet® facilities benchmarks.”

The hospital was surveyed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in a comprehensive two-day site visit in January. During that visit the teams at WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital were observed and assessed. Patients, family members and staff were also encouraged to submit comments and feedback to the Magnet Recognition Program® office.

WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital opened in 2012 and has since been honored with numerous awards and accreditations. The state-of-the-art facility offers advanced orthopedic, spine and neurological surgery procedures, as well as both inpatient and specialized outpatient rehabilitation services.

More information on the WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital.

About ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program®

The Magnet Recognition Program® — administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization in the world — identifies health care organizations that provide the very best in nursing care and professionalism in nursing practice. The Magnet Recognition Program is the highest national honor for nursing excellence and provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark for measuring quality of care. More information about the Magnet Recognition Program and current statistics.

About WellSpan Health

WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization is comprised of more than 1,600 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a regional behavioral health organization, a home care organization, eight respected hospitals, approximately 20,000 employees, and more than 200 patient care locations. WellSpan is a charitable, mission-driven organization, committed to exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness and healthy communities.

WellSpan Health is harnessing technology to offer telephone and video visits to medical and behavioral health patients during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Remote care protects patients, clinicians and staff by observing the social distancing that health officials are urging to lessen the spread of COVID-19.

“We are committed to the health of our patients,” said Kyle Letner, director of Connected Health for WellSpan. “In this time where our traditional way of seeing patients in an office setting may not be feasible or safe, we are finding the opportunity to see patients with whatever means we can, using technology.”

After federal and state health officials began recommending social distancing, WellSpan physician practices began reaching out to patients to see if they could and wanted to have a telephone visit or a video visit, using the camera on a smartphone, laptop or tablet.

WellSpan Health’s primary and specialty care practices all are now offering the option of these visits to appropriate patients.

Before this work began, less than 1 percent of patient visits were done remotely. That number rose to 40 percent in just one week.

Who can have a remote visit?

Telephone or video visits are suitable for patients with acute, common illness, such as a cough, urinary tract infections, sinus infections, diarrhea, a rash, flu-like symptoms and other issues, said Brian Pollak, M.D., medical director of Connected Health. In fact, Pollak said, patients with COVID-19 symptoms would be well-suited for a remote visit, if their symptoms are not severe.

Telephone or video visits also are appropriate for patients seeking preventive care or for patients seeking routine follow-up for ongoing health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid issues and other chronic problems, in conjunction with the necessary lab work or pharmacy visits.

Video visits are the preferred option for remote care, because seeing patients allows clinicians to best assess their condition.

Clinicians still will need to physically see patients who need a hands-on examination, to listen to their lungs, look into their ears or examine unusual lumps, for example. Also, remote visits are not well-suited for patients with more complex symptoms, such as someone who might have belly pain and a fever, patients with a chronic illness who experience new or unusual symptoms, or patients with a sudden onset of concerning symptoms such as new headaches with numbness.

For more information, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.

Setting the stage

WellSpan Health has been providing remote care in pioneering practices in York County. The efforts of these practices, plus the creation of new, reimagined services like Online Primary Care, Connected Care at Home and Online Urgent Care, made the rapid, recent expansion of online and remote services possible.

“It has shown us what works,” Pollak said. “It’s a testament to those practices that tried it out first.”

In addition, for urgent needs, patients continue to have access to WellSpan Online Urgent Care, via computer, smartphone or table, at WellSpan.org/OUC

Behavioral health remote visits

WellSpan Philhaven also is offering video visits to its patients for therapy visits or medication management.

“It’s like having the patient there,” said Lisa Woods, director of outpatient services for WellSpan Philhaven. “You can see them, see their face and demeanor, and have a face-to-face appointment without being in the same room.”

Therapists also are holding video group meetings for some of their most vulnerable patients, such as those with borderline personality disorder and other mental health issues who are receiving a type of therapy called dialectical behavior therapy. Group therapy is an important component of DBT so Philhaven worked quickly to make it available to patients via video, Woods said.

WellSpan Philhaven also plans to use video visits to deliver group therapy to other patients, as well as to deliver the other services it offers in offices, the community and homes.

Clinicians are still seeing patients in person, in rooms where they can maintain social distancing, if they feel that some patients still require that type of service.

How to Help

The physicians, nurses, clinicians, leaders and staff of WellSpan Health are grateful for the ongoing support of government leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare organizations and other community partners during this pandemic.

WellSpan is actively seeking donations of supplies, materials, blood, services and other needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about how you can help during this time, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus and click the “I Want to Help” button, or call the Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-855-851-3641 and select option 4.

WellSpan Health announces today the decision by the physicians of Queen Street Family Practice to join WellSpan Health. This practice is located at 2471 South Queen St., in York.

The practice re-opened on Monday, March 30 as WellSpan Family Medicine - South Queen Street. Beth Loss, D.O. and Kenneth Higgins, D.O., will continue to practice at this location and are accepting new patients.

"We are very excited to be joining WellSpan, an organization that has been committed to the health and wellbeing of southcentral Pennsylvania for a very long time," explained Drs. Loss and Higgins. "Being able to access the strong medical infrastructure of Wellspan provides not only enormous resources for us, but also our patients as we all work through these challenging times together."

"Drs. Loss and Higgins are well-known physicians in our community that bring years of experience with them to WellSpan," said Karen Jones, M.D., senior vice president, WellSpan Health, president WellSpan Medical Group. "Having their medical expertise within our WellSpan family only strengthens our commitment to our neighbors in York County."

The practice is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and offers a full range of primary care services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, annual physical exams, women’s healthcare, treatment of short-term illness, flu shots and immunizations.

Patients can make appointments at any WellSpan Family Medicine practice by visiting WellSpan.org/Schedule. Or visit the WellSpan Family Medicine - South Queen Street practice for more information or to schedule.

For more information on WellSpan services offered across York County, visit WellSpan.org/York.

About WellSpan Health

WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization includes more than 1,600 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a regional behavioral health organization, a home care organization, eight respected hospitals, approximately 20,000 employees, and more than 200 patient care locations. WellSpan is a charitable, mission-driven organization, committed to exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness and healthy communities.

WellSpan Health announced today that its network of non-emergency care locations for COVID-19 patients will grow to 10 sites across southcentral Pennsylvania by next week.

The regional health system had previously announced its first six COVID-19 clinics last week. Three additional sites have since opened, with the 10th in Waynesboro scheduled to open on Tuesday.

Patients who have no emergent health needs and are either confirmed or suspected by a healthcare care provider to have COVID-19 can visit these care locations for non-emergency treatment of health concerns.

"WellSpan is taking proactive action to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community," said Thomas McGann, M.D., executive vice president for clinical practice at WellSpan Health. "As this disease continues to spread across our community, more people are going to become infected, and some will have non-emergency medical needs. These care locations will help ensure those who are confirmed or suspected to be positive for COVID-19 can get the non-emergency care they need, while also protecting others in the community from potential exposure."

He noted that most patients who contract COVID-19 will experience mild, or no symptoms at all, and will not need to be hospitalized. For those individuals, a dedicated care location provides them with access to treatment for any non-emergency health concern, either related or unrelated to COVID-19. In addition, several locations now offer lab and imaging services.

WellSpan now offers COVID-19 care locations at the following sites across central Pennsylvania:

Adams County:

• WellSpan Adams Health Center, 40 V-Twin Drive, Gettysburg. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• WellSpan Family Medicine – Cross Keys, 2900 Carlisle St., New Oxford. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Cumberland County:

• WellSpan Shippensburg Health Campus, 97 Progress Blvd., Shippensburg. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

Franklin County:

• WellSpan Urgent Care, 1000 Norland Ave., Chambersburg. This care location is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
• Opening Tuesday, April 7: Franklin County: Former Waynesboro Health Center, 12525 N. Welty Road, Waynesboro. This location will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

Lancaster County:

• WellSpan Urgent Care, 101 Airport Road, Lititz. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Lebanon County:

• WellSpan Pediatric Medicine - Tuck Street (treats all patients, not just pediatric), 850 Tuck St, Lebanon. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

York County:

• WellSpan OB/GYN and WellSpan Pediatric Medicine, 2050 South Queen St., York, will provide primary care services for children and all adults at this site. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• WellSpan Urgent Care, 4050 N. George St., Manchester. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
• WellSpan Urgent Care, 96 Sofia Dr., Shrewsbury. This care location is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Patients who may be experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 – including fever and cough, fever and shortness of breath, or a combination of all three – should still call their primary care provider first. Individuals who do not have a primary care provider, or need additional information, are encouraged to call WellSpan’s Coronavirus Information Hotline at 855-851-3641.

WellSpan continues to offer primary and urgent care services at care locations across the region for those who are not suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.

For the latest WellSpan information related to COVID-19, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.

Like most, physicians, nurses and other healthcare employees enjoy a warm cup of coffee in the morning, to start their day. It’s also a nice way to stay on the up-and-up throughout the day as energy levels wane.

In times like the COVID-19 pandemic, making a morning stop or finding time during a shift to get a cup of java can be challenging. Despite the difficulty, the comfort and energy it brings is needed now more than ever by the clinical team working longer hours amidst the strain of COVID-19.

Thanks to the generous support of the communities in which WellSpan Health operates our team can enjoy a full cup at any moment of need:

• Ephrata Church of the Brethren donated coffee from Javateas Café, with decorated cups featuring inspiring messages for the team at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital.
• Dunkin Donuts donated ground coffee, gift cards and donuts for staff across the system as needed, in addition to employees getting surprised by generous Dunkin employees picking up their tab at locations throughout the WellSpan Health service network.
• Starbucks stores across the region have delivered freshly brewed coffee to the COVID-19 testing sites for employees working at non-traditional locations.
• Starbucks & Maple Donuts dropped off coffee and donuts respectively, to the VNA office in York for staff as they arrived to work one morning.
• Starbucks Roasting Plant in York donated four-hundred pounds of ground coffee to be served at hospital facilities throughout the WellSpan Health network.

We are extremely thankful for these contributions.

Want to Help?

We are all experiencing a new reality in our homes and personal lives in the handling of packages and groceries. 

It is with that same air of caution that we are implementing guidelines in how we accept food into our WellSpan facilities. To ensure safe practices, all donations must be pre-approved. Visit I Want to Help for guidelines on acceptable donations and to submit your donation request.

We thank you for your donation and for helping keep our doctors, nurses and staff safe.

WellSpan Health today announced plans to double the number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds at its acute care hospitals, in anticipation of a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 patient cases in the coming weeks.

The regional health system held an online news briefing to discuss ongoing efforts to respond to the new coronavirus pandemic, as well as the organization’s preparations for an expected rise in COVID-19 patients needing hospital care.

"WellSpan is leading in these challenging times, taking swift and proactive action to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and responding to the needs of our patients and neighbors," said Roxanna L. Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health.

"We were the first to offer a true network of testing sites across our region. This allowed us to collect samples and identify those at risk of infection early," Gapstur added. "Now, we’re planning to double our critical care capacity in preparation for the expected rise in patients who may need care in our hospitals."

A focus on early testing

WellSpan Health began testing patients in mid-March for COVID-19, developing a network of about a dozen open-air sites across five counties. The health system has conducted more than 8,000 tests, with approximately 400 testing positive. The overwhelming majority of those patients are recovering at home, and a small percentage are being treated at WellSpan hospitals.

"Our early strategy to do widespread testing on those who were symptomatic and at risk for COVID-19 has enabled us to slow the spread, as those 8,000 individuals were made aware of their risk and were told to self-isolate," said Thomas McGann, M.D., executive vice president for clinical practice at WellSpan Health.

Harnessing the power of technology

The health system has also sharply increased its availability of alternative care options that do not require patients to visit a care site in-person. These include WellSpan Online Urgent Care, as well as video visits, phone visits and e-visits conducted by WellSpan providers.

In the last two weeks of March, WellSpan physicians and advanced practice clinicians conducted more than 4,000 video visits and more than 9,000 telephone visits. WellSpan is now conducting 40 percent of its total medical practice visits through these new care alternatives.

"We work every day to reimagine healthcare, and COVID-19 is pushing that innovation to the forefront," McGann said.

Increasing hospital capacity

As COVID-19 continues to spread across southcentral Pennsylvania, WellSpan is planning to increase its capacity to handle an anticipated sharp rise in patients needing hospital care.

"We are preparing thoughtfully for what we know is coming, and the strain it will place on our hospitals," said John Porter, executive vice president and COO at WellSpan Health.

WellSpan plans to double its critical care capacity at its hospitals, with an estimated 160 additional ICU beds planned. The health system will use operating rooms and recovery bay areas currently not in use due to the organization’s decision to postpone non-urgent procedures and surgeries.

In addition, WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital will temporarily suspend its services and will shift its focus to providing acute care for non-COVID-19 patients. This will allow more capacity at WellSpan York Hospital for COVID-19 patient care.

The health system is also working collaboratively with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on the potential for opening additional care locations in the region.

WellSpan currently has adequate supplies and equipment and is actively working with the state and federal governments, as well as vendors, local businesses and community partners to secure additional supplies – including personal protective equipment, scrubs, masks and ventilators.

Porter added that the hospitals are redeploying staff to hospitals with the greatest needs and are working to recruit additional support. “We are tapping into the strength of our current and retired workforce, as well as our neighbors in the community, to reinforce our critical care teams at our hospitals,” he said.

"As central Pennsylvania’s trusted healthcare partner, we are taking bold, coordinated action to prepare for this anticipated rise in patients requiring acute hospital care," Porter said.

For the latest WellSpan information related to COVID-19, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.

About WellSpan Health

WellSpan Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities of central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. The organization is comprised of more than 1,600 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a regional behavioral health organization, a home care organization, eight respected hospitals, approximately 20,000 employees, and more than 200 patient care locations. WellSpan is a charitable, mission-driven organization, committed to exceptional care for all, lifelong wellness and healthy communities.

The Waynesboro community has a long history of coming together in times of need. 

For WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital, that history spans all the way to its founding a century ago in response to the Spanish flu pandemic. 

Today, the community is again coming together to support the hospital with donations of food and supplies for hospital staff. 

Dick Marks, who chaired the WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital board and now serves on the WellSpan Summit Health board, said this community spirit was obvious from the first time he stepped foot in Waynesboro as the executive director of the newly constructed YMCA in 1975. 

 “We thought we’d stay just a few years but soon realized this was the place we wanted raise our growing family,” Marks said. “People cared for one another. They were hard-working. Their institutions were important to them – church, YMCA, schools, the hospital. Local people were involved in their institutions, and we wanted to be as well.” 

The Spanish Flu 

Exactly 100 years ago this month, the community was preparing to launch a public fund-raising campaign to establish a hospital. 

But the push for a permanent hospital in Waynesboro actually began in earnest two years earlier in 1918 as an influenza pandemic spread across the world.  

In Waynesboro, schools and churches closed, along with “moving picture houses” and other entertainment venues. Physicians in the Waynesboro area set up makeshift hospitals inside the firehall and YMCA.  

In January 1919, the committee running the emergency hospitals met to discuss establishing a permanent hospital in Waynesboro. Dr. J. B. Amberson and others cited lessons learned from the influenza pandemic. 

The following month, members of the public and religious, civic, fraternal, and industrial organizations met at the Waynesboro YMCA, and led by local businessman J. H. Stoner, the community began laying the groundwork for a permanent hospital. 

Community Response 

On June 1, 1920, the public campaign officially launched with a goal of raising $300,000. The campaign started with more than $170,000 already pledged. 

Newspapers kept tallies of individual pledges and support from businesses and civic groups. Citizens National Bank set up a special fund for community members to contribute. Civic clubs and the Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce donated time and money to the cause.  

The Arcade theater on Main Street hosted a benefit recital with renowned mezzo-soprano Barbara Maurel and violinist Sascha Jacobsen. The Lutheran Church organized a play at the high school auditorium with all proceeds benefiting the campaign. 

At the end of the drive on June 7, the community had exceeded its goal, raising more than $327,000 – or roughly $4.2 million in today’s money. More than 3,000 local residents had subscribed to support the hospital fund. 

The 35-bed Waynesboro Hospital was dedicated on October 2, 1922, with thousands touring the new hospital building.  

Community support did not end there. The hospital held a Donation Day on Nov. 2, 1922, when residents dropped off fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as towels, clothing and other supplies. 

The Record Herald account remarked, “in a short time these shelves were laden with capacity with products of many descriptions and the receivers were compelled to use the floor.” 

How to Help 

The physicians, nurses, clinicians, leaders and staff of WellSpan Health are grateful for the ongoing support of government leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare organizations and other community partners during this current pandemic. 

WellSpan is actively seeking donations of supplies, materials, blood, services and other needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Learn more about how you can help during this time online or call the Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-855-851-3641 and select option 4. 

Two years ago, Pete Guzman retired from his duties as an Emergency Department nurse at WellSpan York Hospital. With his wife, two grown children and three grandkids, he always knew he’d stay busy in retirement – working on cars, helping around the house, or watching grandkids. But two years later, Guzman can be found where he believes he is now needed most of all – right back with his colleagues working in the emergency department.

"When things like this happen, if I can be a part of the solution, then I’m going to be there," he said.

Guzman has a rich history of serving his country – in South America, in southeast Asia, and most recently in Iraq, following 9/11. This time he’s serving his community in a battle against an invisible enemy: COVID-19.

"I'm an American doing what needs to be done for his country and his friends. I’m very patriotic. After 9/11, I was there. Coronavirus comes to our county – my friends need help at WellSpan York Hospital. I'm there," he said.

At 67 years old, Guzman wants to be on the frontlines of this battle. He believes his years of experience put him in position to do the most good.

Over 150 retired nurses, physicians and advanced practice clinicians have expressed interest in helping during WellSpan’s COVID-19 response. In Guzman’s case, he called up WellSpan to offer his services.

WellSpan knows it will need more clinical care staff to treat the expected influx of patients and have already begun to redeploy physicians, nurses and staff to our hospitals with the greatest needs. This is all possible because of the proactive steps taken to intentionally reduce patient volumes in other service areas in anticipation of this need.

Additionally, WellSpan is reaching out to non-clinical team members to understand where there may be pockets of staff who have previous medical experience to assist in providing care, if needed.

As for Guzman, it’s being part of that team-effort that is the most rewarding part of being a nurse.

"You learn to trust the people that you work with," he said. "You evaluate what needs to be done, and then you do the job. It's as simple as that."

"As a soldier who served our country in combat, Pete is already a hero to our nation," said Sandy Patchel, assistant nurse manager for WellSpan York Hospital's Emergency Department. "He continues to be a hero to his coworkers, patients and the community."

“No one was surprised that he came out of retirement to help his ED family on the front lines as we fight this dangerous virus,” she added.

But Guzman wants everyone to know it’s not just his dedication, but of everyone who works tirelessly to provide care to those in need.

“Whatever happens tomorrow, we’ll be there to take care of the situation,” he said. “My motto is K-T-F. Keep the Faith.”

More Year of the Nurse Stories

Imagine the challenges if you are homeless or living in temporary housing and starting to exhibit the fever, cough and other symptoms of coronavirus.

How can you isolate from others if you are living in a shelter or couch surfing, where you are sharing a kitchen or bathroom? Where can you find food if you are living on the street and depending on community meals, if you are sick? How can you access testing or medical care?

WellSpan Health is collaborating with numerous community partners, including emergency management officials in every county. Together, the partners are working to ensure that the region’s vulnerable patients get the help they need during the pandemic, with access to testing, medical care, housing, food and even transportation if they have possible or confirmed COVID-19.

“This is a community-wide effort,” said Katie Wilt, manager of case management special programs for WellSpan Health. “We are working with shelters, residences, state and county government, community groups and others to make sure everyone has access to care. We realize there is whole other population we need to guide and work with during this crisis.”

The efforts vary from county to county, but the main components of the community outreach program include:

·         Computer tablets provided to shelters and group homes with vulnerable populations, offering access to WellSpan Online Urgent Care, so residents can connect with a provider and be assessed for potential coronavirus symptoms.

·         Transportation, including to WellSpan testing tents for those who have COVID-19 symptoms and to other parts of the program.

·         Housing at area motels for those who need to be isolated either while awaiting test results or while completing the recommended 14-day isolation period following a positive test result. This is designed for people who live in shelters or sites where isolating is not possible.

·         Meals at the motels during the isolation period.

·         Support and check-in calls to ensure that patients get any needed care during the isolation time.

The outreach is being funded by a variety of means, including philanthropic donors as well as government funding across the service area.

The details of the programs and the partners vary slightly from county to county. Community partners across the region include the York County Coalition on Homelessness, the Northern Lancaster Hub, Lebanon County Christian Ministries and the Healthy Franklin County Group, among others.

The program highlights the unique ways that community partners are collaborating to care for vulnerable patients.

Meet Josh Medina, a 36-year-old driver for Rabbit Transit, a regional public transportation provider that serves an area that includes Adams, Franklin and York counties. Medina stepped up to be the driver transporting possible and confirmed COVID-19 patients to testing sites, hotels or medical appointments within the WellSpan program.

To make that possible, Rabbit Transit has set aside a bus and a van for patients, which will be cleaned with a special “fogger” that will disinfect them after use.

Medina is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had experience with hazardous materials during his service, and so knew how to wear personal protective equipment. When his boss asked him if he would be willing to be the designated coronavirus driver in the region, working with WellSpan patients, Medina readily agreed. He will be on call, while continuing to drive his regular bus routes when he is not needed to drive COVID-19 patients.

 “It’s a crazy time and somebody’s got to do it,” Medina said. “I want to do my part. Let’s do the best we can to help each other out and help each other through this situation.”

Following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health (Pa. DOH), WellSpan requests that patients and visitors wear a protective face covering when visiting any WellSpan facility.

Hand-made fabric masks and other face coverings can help slow the spread of COVID-19. By covering your face, you help to stop spreading disease to others. Remember this saying: "My mask protects you, your mask protects me."

The Pa. Department of Health recommends that you wear face coverings when:

• Visiting your health care provider
• Shopping at essential businesses, like grocery stores or pharmacies
• Interacting with customers/clients at essential businesses
• Using public transportation
• Feeling sick, coughing or sneezing

For more information on wearing face coverings or masks, please visit these web sites:

• Pa. Department of Health
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

For more information about COVID-19 resources, visit WellSpan.org/Coronavirus.

WellSpan Health today announced it is joining the 100 Million Mask Challenge, an initiative launched by the American Hospital Association to help meet growing demand for masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As we prepare for the expected increase in COVID-19 patients in our community and hospitals, the safety of our caregivers is critically important," said Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health. "That's why WellSpan Health is joining the American Hospital Association’s 100 Million Mask Challenge. We’re asking our friends, neighbors, and community partners to come together to help us meet this challenge."

The 100 Million Mask Challenge is a nationwide effort calling on manufacturers, the business community and individuals across the country to coordinate efforts to rapidly produce needed PPE on a large scale for the nation’s health care heroes. The current supply of masks in some parts of the country has not been able to keep up with the demand.

Individuals interested in making or donating masks should visit WellSpan.org/COVID19Help to download the approved pattern or call the Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-855-851-3641 and select option 4.

WellSpan has opened mask donation sites across southcentral Pennsylvania. Donations will be accepted Monday through Friday at the following locations:

• Chambersburg: 1660 Orchard Drive, Chambersburg; open 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Gettysburg: 450 S. Washington St., Gettysburg; open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Hanover: WellSpan Health and Surgery Center, 1227 Baltimore St., Hanover; open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• York: 601 Memory Lane, York; open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Ephrata: 501 Alexander Drive, Ephrata; open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Lebanon: 711 S. Eighth St., Lebanon; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information on the 100 Million Mask Challenge, visit 100 Million Mask Challenge.

Following a nearly two-week stay, and 10 days on a ventilator, a Cumberland County man who received treatment for COVID-19 at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital was cheered on by his caregivers as he was discharged from the hospital Tuesday afternoon.

It wasn’t the first time the team of Critical Care staff rallied for Douglas Doty. As he reached milestones in his recovery, they were not only caring for his physical needs, but lifting up his spirits every step of the way.

Over the weekend, Doty was taken off the ventilator that had been helping him to breathe as he battled COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The Boiling Springs man was then taken by wheelchair out of the Critical Care Unit of the hospital to a lower-level care unit.

His WellSpan care team lined the hallway to celebrate his progress, throwing him a mini-parade – complete with hand-made paper pom-poms, signs, cheers and masked smiles.

The Boiling Springs man said he first started feeling poorly at the end of March. Shortly after being tested for COVID-19, he began to experience problems breathing.

"That night it just got worse. I couldn’t breathe. There is nothing worse than not being able to catch your breath. From there, I woke up the next morning, turned to my girlfriend and said, 'this isn't working,'" he said.

Doty turned to WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital’s Emergency Department for help.

"I just remember them wanting to intubate me, and I didn’t even know what that meant,” he recalled.

Doty, who also has asthma, needed to be intubated and placed on a ventilator for 10 days. A ventilator is a medical device that provides a patient with oxygen when they are unable to breathe on their own. Ventilators support patients suffering from complications of COVID-19, as the virus can cause fluid to enter the lungs instead of air. The ventilator helps effectively get oxygen back into the body as the lungs heal.

Care teams within the hospital’s Critical Care Unit tended to him around the clock, and eventually, he showed signs of progress and was able to breathe on his own.

"It is amazing," beamed Taryn Miller, a Registered Nurse, who was part of Doty’s care team, of his progress. "Look at him! It’s amazing!"

Doty will be self-quarantined at home as he continues to gain strength and recover from the disease.

"For me to be here is a miracle in and of itself, that’s for sure," he said, with tears in his eyes. "If I could say one thing to the people who took care of me, I’ll always be grateful, and thank them. No words could ever repay them."

He said he hopes others will take his word for how serious the virus is, and that they will continue to take the precautions and stay-at-home orders more seriously.

The biggest thing I can tell people is this is no joke,” he said. “This is very serious. Take it very seriously. Stay home, wash your hands."

For the care teams, Doty’s experience was a needed beacon of hope, as they continue to wage the war against the challenging pandemic.

"Sometimes there are good days, sometimes there are bad days, but this makes me feel actually really good about it," Miller said.

Doty is among several patients who have been discharged from WellSpan Hospitals across the region after receiving care for COVID-19.

Most patients with COVID-19 do not require hospital care. Typically, patients with existing medical conditions, including asthma, are the highest risk for complication with the virus.

WellSpan Health has named Michael Seim, M.D. as senior vice president and chief quality officer for the health system.

Seim comes to WellSpan from Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, the flagship hospital of HealthPartners Health System in Minnesota where he served as the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer. He also served, simultaneously, as Interim Vice President of Quality and Safety for the Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital and Park Nicollet Clinics.

"Michael will lead our quality program with an enhanced focus on identifying new ways to provide the highest quality care to every patient, every time," said Roxanna L. Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO of WellSpan Health. "He recognizes the importance of cultivating a strong spirit of curiosity among our frontline team members, as their knowledge and experiences shape the quality and safety we provide."

During his time at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, his efforts included working across HealthPartners to coordinate with the system’s seven hospitals and its many outpatient clinics on quality measure performance, continuity of care and readmissions programs. In 2018, the hospital earned a Quest Citation of Merit from the American Hospital Association for quality programs, reducing the number of hospital-acquired infections and advancing a high-reliability organization.

As chief quality officer for WellSpan Health, he will oversee all aspects of quality across the system, including, but not limited to patient safety, clinical improvement and regulatory compliance.

"WellSpan's greatest strengths are our team members and the strong community relations we have across our region. The clinical care provided at WellSpan is exceptional," said Seim. "What sets WellSpan apart from other healthcare systems is that we live in the communities we serve. This allows us to work with community partners to innovate and create not only a care delivery plan but a plan for our community to improve the safety and wellbeing of our friends, family and neighbors."

Seim earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and his medical degree from Texas A&M’s Health Science Center medical school. He completed an internship and residency in Emergency Medicine at East Carolina University/Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C. He is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician, an Intermountain ATM Accredited Quality Improvement and Safety Officer, and has an Advanced LEAN Certification.

A WellSpan pharmacist has a prescription to ease a COVID-19 related supply challenge – he recently teamed up with a Mercersburg distillery to turn alcohol for making bourbon and whiskey into hand sanitizer.

"In the hospital setting we use hand sanitizer regularly as a way to kill germs on our hands. At WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital and WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, our supplies were getting low," explained Jarett Logsdon, , Pharm. D, pharmacy manager, WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital. "It is important we get that to the staff, so I reached out to the Cold Spring Hollow Distillery, and they agreed to help."

The World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration recently eased restrictions for hand sanitizer and provided a formula used to make it from alcohol used by distilleries.

"We’re not allowed to sell to the public as far as cocktails, our tasting room is closed," said George Simmers, co-owner of Cold Spring Hollow Distillery. "Most of the distilleries in Pennsylvania are helping out the community by using our spirits."

"I think it is really great that we can help each other out," said Logsdon. "He’s going through a hard time right now because he can’t have his store open. Hopefully we can help him out in the future."

In addition to the Cold Spring Hollow Distillery in Mercersburg, WellSpan Health has welcomed donations from Mason Dixon Distillery in Gettysburg and Old Republic Distillery.

Carolyn Haskell kept hearing about the need for medical professionals in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

As a 23-year veteran military nurse and former infection control specialist, the semi-retired CRNP and RN understood why the military and hospitals in other states were asking her if she’d return to work. As the personal shopper for her 89-year-old father and her special needs aunt, Carolyn wanted to help but also needed to stay close to her Lebanon County home.

That’s when she decided to reach out to a supervisor at WellSpan’s Philhaven, a nonprofit behavioral healthcare organization. “I knew I wanted to go back,” Carolyn says. “I emailed my supervisor and was at work the next day.”

Back to work

Carolyn started with Philhaven in 2010, working for about six years, first as an occupational health nurse and safety officer and eventually overseeing infection prevention, food service, and housekeeping. She traveled throughout Lancaster, York, and other areas to visit the various Philhaven locations.

When she retired, she remained on staff to help as needed with special projects but filled most of her time with volunteering with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Lebanon County, the Lebanon Community Library, and Lebanon County Christian Ministries.

But as the virus spread in the region, each of those entities asked volunteers to stay at home. Not long after, Carolyn got bored reading books, doing puzzles, and “drinking way too much coffee.”

Carolyn’s sister, who works in incident command at WellSpan’s York Hospital and Good Samaritan, told her about the need for more nurses.

On the job

Since late March, Carolyn has been helping with employee screenings and training, as well as writing workflow procedures, especially related to infection control. She’s also tried to be a sounding board for the other nurses and the person managing infection prevention. 

“With WellSpan, we have resources beyond our facility, so we’ve never felt like we’re alone in this,” Carolyn says. “We know these are unique situations, but we have the experts in the system who support us, and it’s a great team.”

Carolyn also chooses to wake up each day thanking God for another opportunity to do something positive.

“I’m blessed with good health and financial stability, and I feel like I should be out helping people who may not have those same blessings,” she says. “I’m not the person to sit at home all day. As long as they find me helpful, I’ll be there.”

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