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New technology helps patients determine the best level of care for their health needs. Renown Health just announced a new, digital tool designed to keep our community safe and healthy. Symptom Checker, which launched today, is a user-friendly, web-based platform that assesses patients’ symptoms and seamlessly directs them to the appropriate level of care within the Renown network. Se puede acceder a Symptom Checker las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana. Para ello, visite Renown Symptom Checker. From there, a patient can identify the area of the body responsible for their discomfort, and specify their symptoms. Upon entering their symptoms, patients receive a detailed health summary and care guide, which helps them determine the most appropriate action to take. Patients are able to schedule a visit at a Renown location directly through the Symptom Checker portal. Los pacientes que experimenten una emergencia médica no deben usar Symptom Checker y, en su lugar, deben llamar al 911. “Thanks to Symptom Checker, our patients will have around-the-clock support at their fingertips to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare needs,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President and CEO of Renown Health. “We understand that determining the right level of care for you or your loved ones may bring about some uncertainty, which is why we are proud to continuously offer new and innovative technologies that make it easier for our community members to live healthier lives.”  “As we continue experiencing cases of COVID-19 in Washoe County, many individuals with COVID are unsure when they should seek medical care, as well as the appropriate location to receive care,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, Chief Quality and Nursing Officer, Health Services. “With Symptom Checker, people can easily input their symptoms, and include the symptom severity, to be directed to the best level of care for their individual health needs—making it an extremely valuable tool as we fight to keep our community safe and healthy amidst this pandemic.”  Symptom Checker is free to use and does not require users to be Renown patients. Además de las casi 200 guías de atención sintomática para niños y adultos, la plataforma también incluye 55 temas de primeros auxilios, 147 temas de asesoramiento sobre crianza de los hijos y 25 tablas de dosificación de medicina de venta sin receta para niños y adultos. The Symptom Checker content is written by medical doctors, Barton Schmitt and David Thompson, who are nursing triage experts; and symptom care guides stem from clinical protocols used by doctors and nurses worldwide. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally owned and governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 7,000 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Renown’s institute model addresses social determinants of health and includes: Child Health, Behavioral Health & Addiction, Healthy Aging and Health Innovation. Clinical institutes include: Cancer, Heart and Vascular Heath and Neurosciences. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Leer más About Cuidado al alcance de sus manos: Renown Launches Virtual Symptom Checker

Renown Health continues to monitor coronavirus (COVID-19) and ensure constant readiness by working closely with the Washoe County Health Department and staying informed of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates. Cuando hay una mayor preocupación en torno a una enfermedad, implementamos estrategias mejoradas de prevención de infecciones y nos aseguramos de estar listos con los suministros adecuados y planes alternativos en caso de que surja la necesidad. Renown Health providers are educated and prepared to quickly and safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution, Renown Health has implemented the following measures to ensure the safety of patients, staff and community members. Patients with Respiratory Symptoms: Si experimenta síntomas respiratorios, llame al 775-982-5000 para que lo dirijan al nivel adecuado de atención. Esta evaluación telefónica está disponible las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, y Renown Health la ofrece de forma gratuita a nuestra comunidad. Additionally, Renown staff are performing respiratory illness screenings at the entrances of all of our Renown hospitals, urgent care and medical group locations to ensure the safety of our patients, staff and community. Limiting Visitation: Si bien comprendemos la importancia de que los pacientes hospitalizados tengan a su lado a amigos, familiares y seres queridos, para ayudarles a protegerse de la gripe y otras enfermedades respiratorias, a partir del martes, 10 de marzo, los pacientes de los hospitales de Renown no podrán recibir visitantes. If a family member or friend is at a Renown hospital, please telephone them. Si ocurren circunstancias atenuantes, permitiremos el ingreso de un visitante designado por paciente a través de las entradas controladas, de 4 a 9 p.m. No se permitirá el ingreso de visitantes menores de 12 años. These new rules will allow one visitor to stay overnight with laboring mothers, NICU, pediatric and palliative care patients. Approved visitors will be subject to screening before entering by answering a series of questions about any recent symptoms of respiratory or influenza-like illness prior to entering a Renown facility. Access to Renown hospitals (Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center), is through the main entrances and the emergency room entrances only. Volunteers: For the safety of our volunteers, we have temporarily suspended volunteer operations at Renown until further notice. Events at Renown Locations: To ensure the health and safety of our community, we have cancelled upcoming community events scheduled at Renown and Hometown Health locations. Protecting  Yourself: You can protect yourself the same way you would protect against other viruses with a few common-sense practices. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Make sure you are cleaning between your fingers and under your nails. Use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap and water are not available Use disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing; dispose of carefully and promptly. If tissues are not available, direct your cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm/sleeve Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms. Avoid shaking hands, especially with those who appear to be ill. Disinfect shared surfaces. Practice social distancing. Stay home when you are sick. Si tiene fiebre, tos, síntomas gastrointestinales o respiratorios, llame a la línea gratuita de salud respiratoria al 775-982-5000. How to Get Accurate and Reliable Information: We continue to advise our community regarding the importance of accurate sources of information, and to provide regular updates. Any decisions and information related to COVID-19 will be shared via official Renown Health communication channels. Si desea obtener información actualizada sobre el enfoque de Renown para mantener la seguridad de nuestra comunidad, visite nuestro sitio web en https://wwwenown.org/covid-19.r/.  Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es una red de atención médica integrada de propiedad y administración local y sin fines de lucro que presta servicios a Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. Para obtener más información, visite renown.org.

Leer más About Renown Health implementa nuevas restricciones para los visitantes y los cuidados respiratorios a fin de hacer frente a la COVID-19

Expanded test processing capabilities is resulting in faster test results, lessening the load on the state lab, and helping keep patients, care providers and the community safe. Renown Health anunció hoy que su laboratorio interno ahora puede procesar hasta 500 pruebas de detección de COVID-19 por día para pacientes hospitalizados y proveedores de atención médica. The organization has invested in expanded test processing capabilities to better serve the community amid the coronavirus pandemic, and to increase testing available across the state. El próximo mes, Renown prevé continuar con la ampliación de la capacidad de prueba y duplicarla para poder procesar 1,000 pruebas por día en preparación para dar una respuesta continua a la pandemia. “The COVID-19 pandemic is not going away- it is still with us. I am concerned by the number of new cases and hospitalizations we are seeing across northern Nevada. We must do more testing. We need broader capabilities around making sure we have broad-scale surge testing available, so we can help people identify if they have COVID-19 or not,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, Renown’s President & CEO. “Si pudiéramos hacer pruebas de detección de COVID-19 a 60,000 personas del norte de Nevada, como hicimos para el Healthy Nevada Project, podríamos entender mejor con datos y hechos la proporción de personas que realmente tienen COVID-19 frente a las que solo tienen catarro y un resfriado”. Lanzado en 2016, el Healthy Nevada Project https://healthynv.org/ es un estudio poblacional basado en la comunidad en el que se ofrecen pruebas genéticas gratuitas a miles de residentes de Nevada para obtener información sobre la salud de la comunidad y conocer los riesgos genéticos de cada persona. Desde el martes, 2,286 personas del norte de Nevada se han sometido a pruebas, y los casos positivos rondaron los 700. Setenta y cuatro personas en el norte de Nevada fallecieron y 1,526 se recuperaron. https://www.washoecounty.us/ El Dr. Slonim dice que las pruebas lo ayudarían a él y a otras personas a tomar decisiones y elaborar planes importantes para el coronavirus con evidencia. He wants to be able to test many more individuals across northern Nevada. “Testing is pivotal upstream, so you can prevent consequences downstream,” said Dawn D. Ahner, DSc, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer – Renown Acute Services. “Al procesar nuestras propias pruebas, hemos reducido el plazo para recibir los resultados a solo 12 o 24 horas, lo que tendrá un impacto profundamente positivo en nuestra comunidad y alivia la carga en el laboratorio estatal. “Testing is an incredibly important tool in our fight against coronavirus,” said Tim Stephens, vice president of ancillary services. “No hay una prueba 100 % perfecta; sin embargo, las pruebas de PCR son tan sensibles que, cuando se realizan a la perfección, tienen una tasa de falsos positivos muy baja. Certified labs like Renown’s use a number of procedures to reduce the risk of false test results.” “The expansion of our lab’s new testing capabilities during this time is a testament to the innovative and important work being done here at Renown,” said Erik Olson, CEO of Renown Regional Medical Center. “Throughout the pandemic, our ancillary team, which includes services like laboratory, radiology and pharmacy, has been quick to adapt to the needs of our patients and our community. I am pleased that we are able to generate critical test results for patients and providers as we continue the fight against COVID-19 and go the extra mile for safety.”   Going the extra mile for safety As an added safety measure, acute hospital patients; patients preparing for surgery, and care providers who may have come into contact with those positive for COVID-19, are among those that receive mandatory PCR testing from Renown at this time. For patients receiving hospital care, these tests help determine if patients should be placed in a designated area of the hospital to mitigate the risk of transmission to those not infected. Furthermore, all surgery patients are tested ahead of their surgery and self-quarantine prior to their surgical procedure at Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center. How do PCR tests work? PCR tests use a sample of mucus typically taken from a person's nose or throat. The test looks for the genetic material of the coronavirus, using a technology called PCR to detect if the viral genetic material is present. Those actively infected with the virus will show the existence of that material. Se recomienda a las personas que crean que deben hacerse la prueba de detección de COVID-19 que llamen a su proveedor médico o se comuniquen con el Distrito de Salud del Condado de Washoe al 775-328-2427 para una evaluación de riesgos. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at renown.org/covid-19/.   Please see b-roll for this story here.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, Renown Children’s Hospital, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Leer más About El laboratorio interno de Renown Health ya procesa las pruebas de detección de COVID-19 para los pacientes y proveedores de atención médica

El equipo de Renown Urgent Care lo prepara para mantenerse a salvo esta temporada y está disponible los siete días de la semana en 11 ubicaciones del norte de Nevada. Millones de personas en todo el oeste viven en zonas donde la contaminación atmosférica puede causar graves problemas de salud. Local air quality can affect our daily lives. Like the weather, it can change from day to day. The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Plumas County, to notify the public of the possibility of poor air quality conditions resulting from the Beckwourth Complex Fire in addition to other wildfires in northern California. In addition, there is the potential for wind shifts to carry smoke to other parts of Plumas County from the Beckwourth and several other regional wildfires.  Air quality is expected to vary greatly depending on fire behavior and weather conditions, with smoke settling in low areas at night and in the early mornings as long as these fires are active. The advisory mentions, “Exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain, especially among sensitive individuals such as the elderly, children, people with asthma, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant women and anyone who is exercising or working hard outdoors.” Kouros Farro, MD, a physician with Renown Urgent Care advises that there are people who are more likely to be affected when fine particle pollution reaches an unhealthy level. People who have asthma or other breathing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People who have heart disease or high blood pressure. Children and older adults. People of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors. “Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy. Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. Si experimenta alguno de estos síntomas, use sus inhaladores según las indicaciones y comuníquese con su proveedor de atención médica”, recomienda el Dr. Farro, que está certificado por el consejo en medicina familiar y ejerce en Renown Urgent Care en 975 Ryland St, Reno. “If you do not have a health care provider, know we have a Renown Urgent Care office on almost every corner, with providers ready to see you.” Dr. Farro advises the following: Take it easy and listen to your body. Limit, change, or postpone your physical activity level. If possible, stay away from local sources of air pollution like busy roads and wood fires. If you have asthma or other breathing conditions like COPD make sure you have your relief/rescue inhaler with you. People with asthma should review and follow guidance in their written asthma action plan. Make an appointment to see your health provider to be sure you have an asthma action plan. “Even just one hour of smoke exposure can affect our lungs and hearts, and these consequences can reach people far beyond the direct area endangered by the fire. Children, older adults, pregnant women, people with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease, communities of color, economically disadvantaged communities, and people with preexisting chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and obesity are all especially vulnerable to the air pollution that wildfires cause," says Dr. David Lemak, Division Chief of Urgent Care at Renown. Renown Urgent Care brinda tratamiento para una amplia gama de lesiones, enfermedades e inquietudes médicas leves que son urgentes, pero no suponen un riesgo para la vida y que requieren atención médica en el mismo día. También le evita los tiempos de espera prolongados y los altos precios de la sala de emergencias en los 11 centros convenientes, incluidos Reno, Sparks, Carson City, USA Parkway, Fallon y Fernley. You can walk-in or book ahead online. You can get the latest fire and smoke information at the Washoe County Health District’s Be Smoke Smart webpage.  It includes information about air pollution levels and how to protect yourself from the smoke. An on-line subscription page allows you to sign up for EnviroFlash, notifying you about air quality.     Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es una red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro que brinda servicios al norte de Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Leer más About Donde hay humo, puede haber más dolores de cabeza, náuseas y tos

El Índice de calidad del aire de fase 2 y los alarmantes estudios de investigación del DRI, Renown Health y el Distrito de Salud del Condado de Washoe conducen a un aviso de salud pública; se debe buscar atención médica si es necesario. Para las personas que padecen asma, el humo de los incendios forestales es más peligroso que cualquier otro tipo de contaminación atmosférica, según un estudio del Desert Research Institute (DRI), el Renown Institute for Health Innovation (Renown IHI) y el Distrito de Salud del Condado de Washoe (WCHD). El estudio publicado en la revista Environmental Health examinó las asociaciones entre las partículas en el aire (particulate matter, PM) procedentes de fuentes como los incendios forestales, el transporte y la industria, y las visitas médicas por asma en los departamentos de emergencia y centros de Urgent Care de Renown Health en Reno, Nevada, durante el período de seis años comprendido entre 2013 y 2018. In places like Reno, where wildfire events occur regularly during parts of the year and are expected to become more frequent in the future, an accurate understanding of the impacts of wildfire smoke on population health is critical. We have an exceptional process in place through our urgent care sites, Renown Medical Group offices and hospital emergency departments to screen, diagnose and treat members of our community who come to us for care related to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other upper respiratory diseases that may be exacerbated by wildfire smoke. At the same time, we continue to develop and refine, in real-time, the data that supports our predictive analytic models. We are using every tool and resource-including scientific data and clinical reporting, to ensure that we are meeting both the health and healthcare needs of the people we serve. En el estudio, los investigadores descubrieron que la calidad del aire en el área de Reno se vio afectada por el humo de los incendios forestales en un total de 188 días durante el periodo del estudio. En total, se produjeron 18,836 visitas a la sala de emergencias y atención de urgencia relacionadas con el asma durante el mismo período de cinco años, lo que indica que es importante comprender la influencia del humo de un incendio forestal y otros tipos de contaminación atmosférica en esta afección médica. La Air Quality Management Division (AQMD) del Distrito de Salud del condado de Washoe ha emitido una advertencia de contaminación del aire de fase 2 debido al humo de los incendios en el área. La calidad del aire en el área de Reno-Sparks ahora es “muy poco saludable” y tiene un Índice de calidad del aire de 247. La advertencia de fase 2 significa que todos los residentes deben permanecer en sus residencias y reducir los niveles de actividad debido a la susceptibilidad de mayores riesgos para la salud. To see current air quality in Reno-Sparks, click here. Brion Hill, MD who practices at the Renown Urgent Care - Los Altos location warns, “This is an important health advisory, exposure to elevated PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in smoke) concentrations can result in eye and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, coughing, impaired lung function and chest pain. Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy. Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider,” says Dr. Hill. “Si no tiene un proveedor de atención médica, tenemos 11 consultorios de Renown Urgent Care convenientemente ubicados con proveedores listos para atenderlo los 7 días de la semana”. Dr. Joseph Grzymski, a research professor at Desert Research Institute, a corresponding author on the study and Chief Scientific Officer, Renown Health, says, “This air is very bad for your health. Given today’s Air Quality Index in Reno, being outside and breathing this air for a day equals about smoking half a package of cigarettes.” Información adicional: The full text of the article “Particulate matter and emergency visits for asthma: a time-series study of their association in the presence and absence of wildfire smoke in Reno, Nevada, 2013–2018” (Partículas en el aire y visitas de emergencia por asma: un estudio de series temporales de su asociación en presencia y ausencia de humo de incendios forestales en Reno, Nevada, entre  y ) está disponible en Environmental Health: https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-020-00646-2 Para obtener más información sobre el Renown Institute for Health Innovation, visite: https://www.dri.edu/renown-ihi/ Renown Urgent Care brinda tratamiento para una amplia gama de lesiones leves, enfermedades e inquietudes médicas que son urgentes, pero no suponen un riesgo para la vida y que requieren atención médica en el mismo día. También le evita los tiempos de espera prolongados y los altos precios de la sala de emergencias en los 13 centros convenientes, incluidas Reno, Sparks, Carson City, USA Parkway, Fallon y Fernley. You can walk-in or book ahead online. The Washoe County Health District offers online health information on its Be Smoke Smart website, including fire information, daily air quality information, fire and smoke maps and how to protect yourself.     About the Desert Research Institute The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in basic and applied interdisciplinary research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe. Desde 1959, la investigación del DRI ha profundizado el conocimiento científico, ha apoyado la diversificación de la economía de Nevada, ha proporcionado oportunidades educativas científicas y ha informado a legisladores, líderes empresariales y miembros de la comunidad. With campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Para obtener más información, visite www.dri.edu. Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es una red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro que brinda servicios al norte de Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown tiene una larga trayectoria y un compromiso de larga data con la mejora de la atención y la salud de nuestra comunidad. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Leer más About El humo de los incendios forestales es más peligroso que cualquier otro tipo de contaminación atmosférica para las personas con asma

La mejor protección sigue siendo recibir una vacuna y un refuerzo contra la COVID-19, usar mascarilla, mantener una distancia mínima de 6 pies de las otras personas, evitar las multitudes y lavarse las manos con frecuencia. For the thousands of physicians and health care workers of Renown Health, this week is etched into the pandemic timeline as the start date of a nationwide wave that signaled the first vaccinations against COVID-19 and a beacon of hope for the future. A year ago, the nation’s health care systems in communities across the U.S. first began vaccinating physicians and health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, and thousands received their first vaccine. One year ago, Renown Health, the Washoe County Health District (WCHD), the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began to distribute the initially available, limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccines in Washoe County. Media representatives viewed the first healthcare workers as they obtained their first dose of the life-saving vaccines. Luis Martinez, first health care worker vaccinated, now plans to attend medical school Luis Martinez, who served on the front-line of the pandemic at Renown Regional Medical Center, received the first of his Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine a year ago this week, after it received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Recibió la segunda y última vacuna de la serie 21 días después. Luis forma parte de Renown desde 2016. Aquí comenzó como flebotomista y lo alentaron a seguir una carrera profesional en el campo de la medicina. He works as a technician on Renown’s Clinical Decision Unit — a short stay unit within the hospital for people who need clinical care, but do not need admittance to the hospital. Luis worked with patients and clinicians in the Clinical Decision Unit for a year before requesting to work in Renown’s Alternate Care Site, built in the Mill Street parking structure as a place to care for patients recovering from COVID-19 before they returned home. Today, Luis is working to fulfill his dreams of becoming a doctor. A principios de este año realizó la Medical College Admission Test® (prueba de ingreso a la Facultad de Medicina), tuvo una entrevista virtual y se postuló para 24 facultades de medicina. Luis has shadowed physicians in a number of medical fields, including internal medicine, emergency medicine, cardiology and orthopedics, and would be thrilled to train in any one of those areas. As for medical school, Luis was excited to hear about Renown’s new clinical affiliation with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med). He is enthusiastic about becoming part of the next generation of Nevada's health care professionals, and his first choice is UNR Med. He expects an admission decision by UNR Med this winter. If that doesn’t work out, he says, he has an interview with leaders at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV in January. Luis is bilingual and understands that Nevada continues to face a shortage of physicians and affordable medical care. He volunteers with CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada, a non-profit organization that provides free medical equipment, supplies, and prescription assistance to underserved populations when he is not working at Renown. His dream is to graduate medical school and stay in the community to provide medical care as a physician. Luis knows the importance of excellent medical care, and the importance of the vaccines against COVID-19. El pasado octubre, Luis cumplió 33 años y se contagió de COVID-19 después de una fiesta de cumpleaños familiar. Because of his experience, his interest in medicine and his research, Luis obtained his COVID-19 vaccines- and his booster, and is pleased that everyone in his family is triple vaccinated too. He says they are all feeling well and looking forward to being together at the holidays. “As we celebrate this holiday season, we give thanks for Luis and the thousands of health care heroes who have been fighting this pandemic with care and compassion; continuing to safely screen, diagnose, care for and vaccinate thousands of employees and community members,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, President & CEO of Renown Health. “It has been an honor to assist local and statewide health partners in the herculean vaccination effort. Durante el año pasado, el equipo de vacunas de Renown administró más de 58,000 vacunas de primera dosis y 2 de segunda dosis a los residentes de Nevada mayores de cinco años. We continue to work closely with our community health leaders and are always ready to assist. We are proud to be part of the solution for our community and pleased to have made a genuine difference in the health and well-being of others throughout this unprecedented time in our history.” Renown continues to use current local and national data, analytics, and public data sets for predictive modeling in service to our community. When there is heightened concern around an illness, enhanced infection prevention strategies are in place to ensure Renown is ready with the appropriate supplies and alternate plans should the need arise. La vacunación sigue siendo la mejor protección contra la cepa Ómicron y el coronavirus Hoy también marca un hito negativo para el condado de Washoe: más de 1,010 muertes por COVID-19 confirmadas y un total de más de 70,549 casos en una población de casi 500,000 personas. El punto positivo es que más de 65,714 personas se han recuperado en el condado de Washoe, aunque muchas aún lidian con los efectos a largo plazo de la enfermedad. El mundo y los EE. UU. continúan experimentando un aumento en los casos de COVID-19 y las hospitalizaciones por la altamente contagiosa variante Ómicron, que ahora representa el 50 por ciento de los casos de coronavirus en partes del país. In some areas, there is a significant stress on the hospital system, particularly where vaccination rates are low. “The most important action you can take to protect yourself from the Delta and Omicron strains and the COVID-19 virus is to get fully vaccinated,” says Susan Lee, DO, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Acute Care. “El virus de la COVID 19 y sus diferentes cepas son prevenibles y controlables mediante vacunas seguras y eficaces contra la COVID-19, que son gratuitas y ahora están ampliamente disponibles en nuestra área. Los CDC recomiendan que todas las personas mayores de 5 años se vacunen contra la COVID-19. Data shows that nearly all COVID-19 deaths are now occurring among unvaccinated individuals.” A list of providers in our area offering vaccines is available at vaccines.gov.” “La mejor protección contra la COVID-19 ha sido la combinación de vacunarse contra la COVID-19, usar mascarilla, mantener una distancia de al menos 6 pies de otras personas, evitar las multitudes y lavarse las manos con frecuencia”, explica Amy McCombs, máster en enfermería, enfermera certificada, CCRN, CNML, vicepresidenta de Calidad de Servicios Agudos para Renown y gran contribuidora al esfuerzo de vacunación de Renown. “No one tool alone will stop this pandemic; it will take a combination of all of us using all of these efforts to fight the spread of this virus, especially through the holidays.” “Vaccinations have been a game-changer in terms of improving the health of our community,” said Rahul Mediwala, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Health Services. "Given the demands of this COVID-19 pandemic, we have been pleased to help in the fight by providing vaccinations. Our goal a year ago, was that all Renown physicians; employees and their family members; and all Hometown Health members and Renown patients interested in receiving the vaccine would have an opportunity to be vaccinated, we are excited to help make that dream a reality for all.” The COVID-19 vaccine is now mandatory for all Renown employees in an effort to protect those who are ill and physically vulnerable, and ensure a safe environment for patients and health care workers. Renown is covering all costs of the vaccine, and it is being offered free of charge to employees. Al día de hoy, el 97 % del total de 6,750 empleados de Renown Health están vacunados o tienen una exención o aplazamiento aprobado. “This year was a year no one will forget. For everyone- and for our health care workers at Renown, the year presented countless challenges and opportunities. Those of us who choose healthcare as our life’s work answer a true calling to serve others; this field requires a self-less commitment and a tireless dedication to caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Renown’s Chief of Staff, Sy Johnson, MBA. “I applaud the entire team- every physician, nurse and health care hero for their valor, their strength and perseverance in serving our patients and community during these unprecedented times.” What follows are highlights of some of the most remarkable moments and events that have taken place at Renown Health over the past year in relation to the response to COVID-19. Estructura médica desplegable temporal fuera del Departamento de Emergencias del Renown Regional El 12 de marzo de 2020, Renown instaló un centro médico desplegable para que sirviera como centro de evaluación y detección de enfermedades respiratorias para pacientes de la sala de emergencias en el Renown Regional Medical Center. A similar tent was also set up outside the Emergency Room at South Meadows Medical Center. An additional layer of protection, this proactive measure helped to care for people with symptoms of respiratory illness, and to protect patients and staff in the Emergency Department and other areas of the hospital. Las carpas se desarmaron el 20 de enero de 2021. (See photo here.) Alternate Care Site at Mill Street Parking Structure at Renown Regional As many communities across the nation experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases, including significant surges in hospitalized patients, Renown’s leadership had the foresight to create an Alternate Care Site (ACS) in the Renown Regional Medical Center Mill Street Parking structure. The ACS served additional hospitalized patients and allowed caregivers to remain on campus and still have access to existing hospital infrastructure such as lab, pharmacy, imaging, food services and other critical services. This solution also supported an efficient level of care escalation and other emergent interventions as needed. Después de solo 10 días de una complicada construcción, que incluyó pisos, infraestructura eléctrica, iluminación, agua, tecnología y paredes divisorias, el ACS estuvo listo el 3 de abril de 2020 con espacio para hasta 1,400 pacientes. El 12 de noviembre de 2020, Renown inauguró el ACS para atender a más pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de COVID-19 que estaban clínicamente estables o en mejoría. Healthcare workers at Renown cared for hundreds of patients in this site. A principios de enero de 2021, los pacientes restantes regresaron a sus hogares. The Site has been decommissioned and leaders expect the area to be available for additional parking later this winter. (Alternate Care Site B-Roll.) Renown invests in Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) ‘Hospital at Home’ Monitoring Systems Appropriate patients (including those recovering from COVID-19) are now offered a telehealth solution using wearable, continuous pulse oximetry, and the convenience of being in their own homes, with the confidence and security of knowing that Renown clinical staff are closely monitoring their health data through the Renown Transfer and Operations Center, and regularly communicating with them through their recovery process. El Renown Transfer and Operations Center ocupa 6,000 pies cuadrados y es uno de los centros más grandes de su tipo en el país, equipado con 28 paneles de alta definición en la pared frontal, dos en el centro de la sala y cuatro monitores colgados en la parte posterior. Large plasma screens display important metrics such as patient vital signs, bed availability, facility capacity, staffing, technology and more. Los enfermeros certificados y despachantes registrados monitorean continuamente la actividad durante todo el día, en el área de servicio de 100,000 millas cuadradas de Renown, con más de 100 ubicaciones e instalaciones asociadas para tomar las mejores decisiones para los pacientes, proveedores y equipos de atención. “LOVE” se abre paso en Renown El 16 de abril de 2020, durante un momento de oscuridad e incertidumbre, Artown le prestó a Renown la escultura “LOVE”, una estructura de aluminio soldado de una tonelada, diseñada por la artista Laura Kimpton y fabricada por Jeff Schomberg. La obra iluminó la entrada principal del Regional Medical Center en Mill St. La escultura se había inaugurado anteriormente en Burning Man en 2019 El 13 de julio de 2020, gracias al apoyo del expresidente de la junta y defensor de la comunidad Blake Smith y a la Keyser Foundation, “LOVE” sigue resplandeciendo cada noche en el púrpura característico de Renown, con un brillo radiante para el disfrute de los pacientes, empleados, visitantes y transeúntes. Throughout the pandemic, this sculpture has served as a source of inspiration, hope and positivity for our community. (LOVE sign B-Roll.) When Words Fail, Art Speaks Recognizing art’s powerful healing capabilities, Renown collaborated with prominent artist and fine art photographer, Anicia Beckwith, to immortalize the many battles fought against and amidst COVID-19 within the healthcare system’s walls. Beckwith captured portrait images of Renown caregivers, patients and their loved ones, showing raw and touching scenes from the COVID Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Departments, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Wilbur D. May Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Alternate Care Site field hospital. A group of Renown caregivers hold a COVID patient’s hand. Tears well up in their eyes as the patient takes his last breath. Care providers respond to a patient’s only request – a facial shave. The man beams at the sight of his freshly groomed face, and is visibly touched by the tender care he received to make it happen. Lupe, una trabajadora de servicios ambientales, pone especial cuidado en sus esfuerzos por limpiar y desinfectar las habitaciones de los pacientes, una destreza en la que se ha perfeccionado y que le ha dado orgullo durante los más de 25 años en los que ha trabajado en Renown. These are just a few of the captivating moments Beckwith illustrates through her art. Beckwith’s full photo gallery of images from Renown are located here; and downloadable visual assets are available here. Evolving in an Ever-Changing World: Long-Term Remote Work for Renown Employees The COVID-19 pandemic pushed healthcare leaders throughout the world to determine how best to provide care in this ever-changing environment. Leaders in Renown’s Human Resources department evaluated the thoughts and opinions of employees working remotely throughout Renown Health. Debido a los comentarios positivos de los empleados, que incluyen menos tiempo de viaje, menos distracciones, un mejor equilibrio entre el trabajo y la vida personal y una huella de carbono reducida, más de 700 empleados de Renown continuarán trabajando de manera remota. Renown ofrece pruebas de COVID internas El 2020 de junio, el equipo del laboratorio de Renown entró en acción para ayudar a satisfacer la creciente demanda de pruebas de COVID-19 de los residentes y negocios del condado de Washoe. Renown invirtió en ampliar la plantilla de personal y la capacidad de hacer pruebas de forma interna, lo que les permitió hacer hisopados y procesar hasta 1,000 pruebas de COVID para pacientes cada día y entregar los resultados en cuestión de horas. El director ejecutivo de Renown, el Dr. Tony Slonim, también colaboró con el grupo especial del alcalde dedicado a la COVID-19, con líderes comunitarios y religiosos locales desde el 2020 de octubre para abordar la equidad en la salud mediante pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 para las comunidades de color. (Lab B-Roll). An Extraordinary Year of Service Renown’s leadership remains steadfast commitment to keeping our community safe. “We thank the community for standing by us and helping us all emerge as stronger people with hope for the future. We continue to fight the good fight,” said Dr. Slonim. “With COVID now imbedded into our daily lives, it’s remarkable to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the obstacles we’ve overcome. I will be forever grateful for the precautionary measures, innovation, and acts of service and love implemented by our dedicated team over the past two years. We hope by demonstrating our caring values and exhibiting hope and determination, we are inspiring others.” Stay Up-to-date on COVID-19 Renown Health is prepared to safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Para mantenerse actualizado sobre las comunicaciones relacionadas con la distribución de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 por parte de Renown, las preguntas frecuentes y la evidencia científica detrás de la vacuna, visite https://covid.renown.org/  Únase al equipo de Renown Renown Health continúa comprometido con la contratación de personas para ocupar puestos clave en la organización para apoyar la salud y el bienestar de nuestra comunidad. Para unirse a la familia de Renown y luchar por la causa justa, postúlese en línea en https://careers.renown.org/ Apoye al equipo de Renown Renown Health, una organización benéfica sin fines de lucro está agradecida por el apoyo de la comunidad durante estos momentos sin precedentes. If you are interested in supporting Renown Health, a charitable, non-profit health organization, please consider giving to Renown Health Foundation. Donations are accepted through the following ways: Realice una donación a www.renown.org/give Llame a la Fundación de Renown Health al 775982-5545 Envíe un cheque por correo postal a Renown Health Foundation, 1155 Mill St., O2, Reno, NV 89502 Venmo: @RenownFoundation     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Con una fuerza laboral diversa de más de 6,500 empleados, Renown ha fomentado una cultura de excelencia, determinación e innovación de larga data. La organización se compone de un centro de urgencias, dos hospitales de cuidados agudos, un hospital infantil, un hospital de rehabilitación, un grupo médico y una red de atención de urgencias y Hometown Health, la compañía de seguros sin fines de lucro más grande de la región y de propiedad local, Hometown Health. Actualmente, Renown está inscribiendo participantes en el estudio genético de salud poblacional basado en la comunidad más grande del mundo, el Healthy Nevada Project®. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Leer más About Reflexión tras un año: miles de trabajadores de atención médica y ciudadanos del norte de Nevada se vacunaron contra la COVID-19, lo que da esperanzas para esta temporada de fiestas

Si tiene 12 años o más reciba una vacuna contra la COVID-19 y la cepa Delta para protegerse; busque atención de urgencia si es necesario. El mundo, el país y nuestra área continúan experimentando un aumento en los casos de COVID-19 y las hospitalizaciones por la cepa Delta del virus del SARS-CoV-2, la cual es altamente contagiosa. The Renown Health team continues to safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illnesses, including those at risk for COVID-19. Renown continues to use current local and national data, analytics, and public data sets for predictive modeling in service to our community. Renown Health ensures constant readiness by working closely with the Washoe County Health District, the Governor’s office, and is informed by updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When there is heightened concern around an illness, we implement enhanced infection prevention strategies to ensure we are ready with the appropriate supplies and alternate plans should the need arise. Renown Health providers are educated and prepared to quickly and safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Vaccination is the best protection against Delta. “The most important action you can take to protect yourself from the Delta strain and the COVID-19 virus is to get fully vaccinated,” says Brion Hill, MD who practices at the Renown Urgent Care - Los Altos location. “El virus de la COVID19 y la cepa Delta se pueden prevenir y controlar con vacunas seguras y eficaces contra la COVID-19, que son gratuitas y ahora están ampliamente disponibles en nuestra área. Los CDC recomiendan que todas las personas mayores de 12 años se vacunen contra la COVID-19. Recent data show that nearly all COVID-19 deaths are now occurring among unvaccinated individuals.” A list of providers in our area offering vaccines is available at vaccines.gov.” Protecting Yourself, Friends and Family Dr. Hill adds, “You can protect yourself the same way you would protect against other viruses with a few common-sense practices.” Wear a cloth mask or medical procedure mask when in a public setting. For situations when you are in close contact with people who do not live with you, you may want to consider a mask option that provides a higher level of protection (improved fit and/or improved filtration). Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Make sure you are cleaning between your fingers and under your nails. Use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap and water are not available. Use disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing; dispose of carefully and promptly. If tissues are not available, direct your cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm/sleeve. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms. Avoid shaking hands, especially with those who appear to be ill. Disinfect shared surfaces. Practique distanciamiento social, de 6 pies o más. Stay home when you are sick. If you have fever, cough, gastrointestinal, or respiratory symptoms please call your medical provider and explain your symptoms before coming in to their offices. If you do not have a health care provider, and have medical concerns that are urgent but not life-threatening, visit a Renown Urgent Care physician or healthcare provider. Virtual Urgent Care is available for people for COVID-19 symptoms and Virtual Urgent Care visits are available through MyChart. MyChart es un portal para pacientes seguro y gratuito en línea que le permite acceder a su registro médico de Renown Health y administrar su información de atención médica. Hay 11 oficinas de atención de Renown Urgent Care convenientemente ubicadas que cuentan con proveedores listos para verlo los 7 días de la semana. Tiene la opción de reservar con anticipación y programar una cita en 11 ubicaciones cercanas a usted. How to Get Accurate and Reliable Information: We continue to advise our community regarding the importance of accurate sources of information, and to provide regular updates. For up-to-date information on Renown’s approach to keeping our community safe, visit our website at renown.org.     Acerca de Renown Health Renown Health es una red de atención médica integrada de administración local y sin fines de lucro que brinda servicios al norte de Nevada, Lake Tahoe y el noreste de California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, the region’s only children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improving the care and the health of our community. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Leer más About Lucha por su salud y seguridad; a medida que aumentan los casos de COVID-19, Renown está preparada.

Funds used to stand up virtual screenings, purchase telehealth equipment, provide virtual care and enhance remote monitoring services to help keep the community safe Renown Health Foundation announced today that it is the recipient of a $977,720 grant from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The funding will be used to offset the expenses of various telehealth programs implemented during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A portion of the grant will also be used to help Renown expand its remote monitoring capabilities, reshaping the way patients receive care from the comfort of their homes.  “Virtual technology is shaping the future of medicine and how we deliver care to our patients,” said Tony Slonim, MD, DrPH, president and CEO of Renown Health. “It’s convenient, fast, reliable and accessible to everyone with a mobile device. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I have witnessed the incredible power of technology to ensure our patients receive quality care when and where they need it. I look forward to the future of digital health as we continue expanding our virtual service offerings, contributing to a happier, healthier community.” Renown will use a portion of the funding to offset expenses incurred to establish the virtual COVID-19 visit screenings for the pandemic. These on-line, virtual visits allowed individuals with signs of respiratory illness across Nevada and California to be screened by a care provider for COVID-19. Previously, a screening was required for patients to receive a test, making this a critical tool to help our region flatten the curve.   The grant will also support Renown’s efforts to introduce a dedicated platform to enable all specialists and urgent care providers to deliver virtual care to patients, if their care needs can be met through a virtual platform. These visits have been essential as community members continue to practice physical distancing and many live in rural communities. “We are incredibly thankful for the support of the FCC, as this grant has already played a huge role in the way our community receives the care they need and deserve,” said Renown’s chief development officer, Greg Walaitis. “During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, it will help us ensure all patients in our area have access to care from their homes or nearby locations.”  Furthermore, the grant will support some of the technology and equipment used in Renown’s Alternate Care Site located in its Mill Street Parking structure.  “Though we are fortunate our Alternate Care Site remains unused today, the facility is equipped with computers and tablets embedded with telehealth solutions, all supported by the FCC grant,” said Renown’s director of telehealth, Mitchell Fong. “This technology would allow our providers to treat and monitor our patients with COVID-19 without being exposed to the virus, so they can remain healthy and a vital part of the care team where they are needed most.”  Renown purchased video conference software licenses to support these virtual programs. Aside from connecting patients to care providers, the technology was used to enhance a patient’s hospital stay and make them feel more emotionally comfortable and connected.  “Before initiating our Patient Supporter program, we weren’t allowing visitors in our hospitals due to the pandemic to help keep patients, staff and our community safe,” said Fong. “The purchase of video conferencing licenses helped patients from all hospital units connect with loved ones via videoconferencing calls facilitated by their care providers. We know these interactions are an important aspect of a patient’s healing experience, and the FCC grant made it possible for countless patients to stay in touch with their external support networks.”  Finally, the FCC funding will allow Renown to expand and enhance its remote monitoring services, particularly for hospital patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Renown is currently exploring tools for providers to virtually – and seamlessly – monitor and track their patient’s oxygen levels, among other vitals, once they go home. This will aid in smooth and efficient transitional care, as the recovery period after a patient is discharged from the hospital is considered exceptionally critical.       About Renown Health   Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, Renown Children’s Hospital, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org.

Leer más About Renown Health Awarded Nearly 1 Million Grant from the FCC

Across the country, we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases including significant surges in hospitalized patients in many communities. As our nation experiences the impact of this international pandemic, we at Renown Health are focused on preparing for what could occur in our own community.  We continue to safely screen, diagnose and care for patients with respiratory illnesses, including those at risk for COVID-19. We have been, and will continue to use, current local, national and international data, analytics, public data sets and predictive modeling. Based on these predictive models, we anticipate seeing a surge in hospital patient volumes over the next several weeks. We are preparing for potential patient census increases, requiring a planning effort that challenges us to think outside of the box. Serving this level of hospital patients, which is called a “surge” will challenge us to ensure we have the beds, procedure capacity and spaces that accommodate staff, technology, supplies, equipment and services to meet the needs of our patients. To meet the increasing needs, a new temporary patient care area will be created within the Mill Street parking structure to serve additional hospitalized patients at Renown Regional Medical Center. This location allows caregivers to remain on campus, and still have accessibility to existing hospital infrastructure such as lab, pharmacy, imaging, food services and other critical services. This solution also allows for an efficient level of care escalation and other emergent interventions as needed. Crews will begin construction shortly and will include will include flooring, electrical infrastructure, lighting, water, technology and wall partitions. This facility will be equipped with beds and basic patient care support equipment. Hospitals in other communities around the country have successfully taken this approach, including Vanderbilt University Hospital. All around the country, hospitals are implementing creative approaches to ensure patient care needs can be addressed. As the work continues in the Mill Street Parking structure, we will evaluate the best way to incorporate our media partners and our community in seeing what the finished alternate care site looks like. We would like to send our sincere appreciation to our local partners in this project who have been working around the clock to make this work happen: Clark/Sullivan Construction, Curtis Bros. Construction, PK Electrical, Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers, Intermountain Electric, Mt. Rose Heating & Air Conditioning and Frank Lepori Construction. Para obtener información actualizada sobre el abordaje de Renown para mantener la seguridad de la comunidad, visite nuestro sitio web en https://www.renown.org/covid-19/.     About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown es uno de los mayores empleadores privados de la región y cuenta con una fuerza laboral de más de 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area’s most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. Visite renown.org para obtener más información.

Leer más About Preparing For an Anticipated Surge of Patients Amidst COVID-19