PECSH COVID-19 Update #1

We have a new dedicated email address to focus and streamline all PECSH caregiver questions around COVID-19. If you have a question, please email it to: PECSHcovid19@minurses.org Your PECSH Executive Team will respond to all inquiries as quickly and thoroughly as we are able.

The PECSH Executive Team (along with UAW leadership) met with Alan Vierling today to get up to date on the hospital’s preparedness for COVID-19. Alan has committed to maintaining regular channels of communication with union leadership at Sparrow around this evolving issue, and we are committed to keeping our members up to date and answering questions to the best of our ability as they arise.

The most important update we have is that we have scheduled effects bargaining for Monday, March 16, where we will negotiate for solutions to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on PECSH caregivers. Our focus in these negotiations will be on ensuring the safest working conditions possible and on protecting wages and benefits for those who are unable to work due to COVID-19. 
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What we know from Sparrow:

• We were informed by Sparrow that as of 1 PM today 12 patients have tested positive for coronavirus in Michigan, 1 in Ingham County.
• Sparrow has not yet had a patient test positive for COVID-19, but the hospital is prepared for the possibility of receiving positive patients in the near future.
• At this time, there are no planned changes to the Sparrow attendance policy.
• A tent is being constructed outside of the Sparrow ED to screen/test patients with flu-like symptoms before they enter the ED.
• A “one visitor” rule has been put in place, with exceptions allowable for clinical social reasons.
• Sparrow’s leadership rounding will continue, with a focus on leadership reassuring patients who raise concerns about coronavirus.​