​Joint Statement from the Indiana Hospital Association and the Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ebola preparedness is something Indiana’s hospitals and their nursing partners are taking very seriously. Nurses often are the first to encounter a patient who may be showing signs of an infectious disease, and it is critical that they, and all frontline health care providers, have the proper training, equipment and protocols to remain safe and care for the patient.

In the wake of the situation in Dallas, Texas, we understand the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reviewing all the protocols and procedures involved and will be continuously distributing updated guidance as new information is received and best practices are developed. As new CDC guidance is issued regarding Ebola preparedness procedures, we are working with our collective memberships to incorporate all of these updates into plans and protocols.

“This is a time for hospitals to assess their preparations and assure readiness for this or any kind of outbreak of a contagious disease,” said Doug Leonard, president of the Indiana Hospital Association. “I want to sincerely thank the dedicated physicians, nurses, laboratory workers, EMS personnel and other health care professionals who have devoted their lives to caring for others, even if it could mean putting themselves in harm’s way.”

It is important to remember that this situation is very fluid and rapidly changing. Any amount of preparation will require adjustment as more is learned about how best to care for any patient who is infected with Ebola, while also protecting our health care providers. We need to continue to be flexible as we receive new guidance. In the end, hospitals and nurses have the same goals in the face of any Ebola case: to ensure patients are appropriately cared for at the right time and the right place, and that all hospital and clinical staff are safe in providing that care.

“Indiana nursing leaders are committed to assuring the safety of our nursing staff and their patients while dealing with the serious challenges of the Ebola virus,” said Mary Browning, executive director of the Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives.

We are directing people, both from our membership ranks and the public, who have questions about the most recent Ebola guidance, information and protocols, to consult the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola. 

For general questions on Ebola, please contact the Indiana State Department of Health Surveillance and Investigation Division at 317-233-7125. You may also visit the ISDH website at www.in.gov/isdh/26447.htm.

Lines of communication remain open between hospitals, nurses, physicians, and other caregivers, our state public health authorities and Governor Pence’s office. We will all work together to keep information flowing through these important channels.