Virtua hospitals prepare for possible Ebola patients

VOORHEES, N.J. (WPVI) -- Several local hospitals are revealing how they would respond if a patient showed any signs of Ebola.

If a patient presenting Ebola symptoms walked into the emergency room at one of Virtua's four hospitals, whether that be in Berlin, Camden, Mount Holly or Voorhees, it would trigger an immediate response.

"The entire team, doctors nurses, laboratory, sterile supply, transportation, the entire system, would be notified," nursing director Patty Lubrano said.

Each of the hospitals has special Ebola response carts stocked with protective gear including masks, gloves, gowns and hoods and written, step-by-step procedures are in place. The patient would be taken to an isolation room where the air is vented out, not recirculated.

Virtua is also currently preparing a video about Ebola for its website to educate medical personnel and the public.

Managers have been meeting three times a week to update Ebola response procedures.

"We are spending a lot of time making sure people understand the signs, symptoms, policies, procedures, and protocols for treatment. And really making sure our staff is comfortable with what could walk in the front door," Virtua Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Matsinger said.

Emergency room staffers in particular are being trained to ask pointed questions of patients.

"If somebody has fever or the associated symptoms, that might be diarrhea, rash, weakness, we are specifically asking 'are you from the countries involved,'" Infectious Disease Director Dr. Martin Topiel said.

While Virtua prepares for any possibility, medical professionals around the country are hoping to learn exactly how a nurse in Texas who took the recommended precautions contracted Ebola after caring for Thomas Duncan, an Ebola patient who died.

"This is an evolving situation and using the CDC, no one is acting alone. We're all looking at this, looking at what's happening in Texas, and trying to be as proactive as we possibly can." Virtua Voorhees Medical Director Dr. Eric DeLue said.