By Mary Alice Murphy

Gila Regional Medical Center Chief Quality and Compliance Officer Tanya Carroccio narrates a question and answer program at 2 p.m. every Wednesday afternoon on Silver City Radio stations, KNFT-FM (102.9), KNFT-AM (950AM or 96.5FM), KSCQ-FM (92.9) or KPSA-FM (97.5 Lordsburg).

Those wishing to ask questions should submit them to COVID19@silvercityradio.com.

Carroccio said Gila Regional wants the public to have good information. "We invite people to send in their questions so we can answer them."

This week, on Wednesday, April 8, Carroccio had as her guests, Board Certified Infection Specialist and Inpatient Services Director Dr. Tsering Sherpa and Board Certified Emergency Physician and Emergency Department Medical Director Dr. Steven Kotch.

The first question asked what residents should do now that Grant County has four confirmed coronavirus cases. Dr. Kotch said, although there is still a relatively small number of cases here, it is even more important for people to stay home, practice social distancing, wear masks and wash their hands often.

Dr. Sherpa answered the next question by saying: "There is not yet a COVID patient in the hospital. We are always ready for all cases, whether coronavirus-related or others, such as stroke symptoms, chest pain, trouble breathing or trauma. Please do not wait to get care if you are suffering any other life- or limb-threatening emergency issues."

The next question asked if people were to be diagnosed with COVID-19, would be they taken care of at Gila Regional or would they be sent to other hospitals such as in Las Cruces. Dr. Sherpa said it would be dependent on other potential co-morbidities and the availability of beds. "We do handle respiratory-complicated patients here. We are fortunate to have Dr. (Donald) Stinar as our ICU (intensive-care unit) director and a board-certified pulmonologist and intensivist here in our county."

Sherpa answered the next question which asked if a person with a relative in the hospital for COVID-19 or any other issue could visit their parent, for instance. Sherpa said: "At this time, we have a strict no visitor policy. It is to protect patients, staff and the families. We do have the option for virtual visits."

Another questioner said it seemed like less testing is going on. Kotch replied that he thought Grant County was better off than other areas. "The number of tests is limited here, because they went to the hot spots first. I think the testing ability will continue to improve."

Kotch also answered the next questions about why it takes so long to get test results. "It depends on the demand at the labs. We are getting better and better turnaround time. It averages four to six days now, but as more labs come online, it will be faster."

Sherpa answered the question about whether everyone should be tested now. "The Department of Health at the state level manages this and determines the highest risk for people with contact tracing of those who have tested positive."

To a question about if the hospital has enough supplies, Kotch said: "I thank the Gila Regional team for being prepared. And thanks also go to the community for their support in making additional personal protective gear available. Yes, we have what we need if we have a greater outbreak."

Kotch also answered the question about whether a person should call 911 or bring the patient to the hospital. "It's most important that you call 911 in an emergency, just like any other time."

Sherpa answered a question about the number of ventilators available at the hospital. "We have 10 right now, but we can also use anesthesia machines as ventilators and can get 10 more, if needed, from a local vendor. And we also have staff trained to use and monitor these ventilators."

A question addressed the number of tests done locally. Kotch said he was not sure of the complete number, because other entities have been or are doing testing. "I know we have done, as of today at the hospital, 145 tests, and we anticipate seeing an increase in testing."

Carroccio noted the COVID-19 clinic, which opened on Wednesday, April 8, was open for testing by appointment only at 575-388-4103. "In the meantime, stay home, practice six-foot social distancing, wear a facial mask when you go out and wash your hands frequently."

Tune in again next week on Wednesday at 2 p.m. for the latest GRMC update.

 

 

 

 

Content on the Beat

WARNING: All articles and photos with a byline or photo credit are copyrighted to the author or photographer. You may not use any information found within the articles without asking permission AND giving attribution to the source. Photos can be requested and may incur a nominal fee for use personally or commercially.

Disclaimer: If you find errors in articles not written by the Beat team but sent to us from other content providers, please contact the writer, not the Beat. For example, obituaries are always provided by the funeral home or a family member. We can fix errors, but please give details on where the error is so we can find it. News releases from government and non-profit entities are posted generally without change, except for legal notices, which incur a small charge.

NOTE: If an article does not have a byline, it was written by someone not affiliated with the Beat and then sent to the Beat for posting.

Images: We have received complaints about large images blocking parts of other articles. If you encounter this problem, click on the title of the article you want to read and it will take you to that article's page, which shows only that article without any intruders. 

New Columnists: The Beat continues to bring you new columnists. And check out the old faithfuls who continue to provide content.

Newsletter: If you opt in to the Join GCB Three Times Weekly Updates option above this to the right, you will be subscribed to email notifications with links to recently posted articles.

Submitting to the Beat

Those new to providing news releases to the Beat are asked to please check out submission guidelines at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions. They are for your information to make life easier on the readers, as well as for the editor.

Advertising: Don't forget to tell advertisers that you saw their ads on the Beat.

Classifieds: We have changed Classifieds to a simpler option. Check periodically to see if any new ones have popped up. Send your information to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we will post it as soon as we can. Instructions and prices are on the page.

Editor's Notes

It has come to this editor's attention that people are sending information to the Grant County Beat Facebook page. Please be aware that the editor does not regularly monitor the page. If you have items you want to send to the editor, please send them to editor@grantcountybeat.com. Thanks!

Here for YOU: Consider the Beat your DAILY newspaper for up-to-date information about Grant County. It's at your fingertips! One Click to Local News. Thanks for your support for and your readership of Grant County's online news source—www.grantcountybeat.com

Feel free to notify editor@grantcountybeat.com if you notice any technical problems on the site. Your convenience is my desire for the Beat.  The Beat totally appreciates its readers and subscribers!  

Compliance: Because you are an esteemed member of The Grant County Beat readership, be assured that we at the Beat continue to do everything we can to be in full compliance with GDPR and pertinent US law, so that the information you have chosen to give to us cannot be compromised.