Prominent consultant Dan Hanfling, MD
visits health care providers in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. –
The MESH Hospital Preparedness Coalition (MESH), in
partnership with the Indiana Hospital Association, is leading efforts to better
prepare health care facilities for potential Ebola cases in Indiana. Through
the partnership, MESH sponsored a lecture on Nov. 25 with health care leaders from
around Indianapolis sharing best practices related to recognition, diagnosis
and treatment of patients with Ebola.
During the lecture, a prominent expert spoke with hospital
leaders on the subject of Ebola preparations. Dan Hanfling, MD has been the lead
consultant on hospital guidelines developed by the United States Department of
Health and Human Services.
“Dr. Hanfling is an authority on Ebola response for clinical
facilities given his role helping to shape the clinical response efforts for
our entire nation,” said Tim Stephens, CEO of MESH Coalition. “The impact that
his visit and experience brings will reach beyond the hospital in the event
that Indiana is faced with an Ebola patient.
Following the presentation, Hanfling visited with three area
hospitals to review their response plans and methods for handling a patient who
is suspected of having the Ebola virus.
“Hospitals throughout Indiana responded quickly to the
threat of Ebola to ensure we were prepared in the event of an outbreak, and we
continue to assess those preparations,” said Doug Leonard, president of Indiana
Hospital Association. “Hearing from a national expert like Dr. Hanfling and
learning about best practices will help us be ready for this or any kind of
outbreak of a contagious disease.”
According to MESH, there are currently no documented cases
in the Indianapolis area of Ebola, which has no definitive cures or vaccines.
All known cases of Ebola in the United States have been resolved. The best
method of combating this disease process, absent a vaccine or cure, is to
identify, contain, isolate, and prevent the spread of the disease.
Area hospitals and medical service agencies are focused on
identifying and isolating potential patients until they can be tested. The goal
remains to prevent the spread of the virus while providing the best possible
care available.
“The opportunity to have Dr. Hanfling visit Indianapolis and
offer his expertise and guidance is unique and fortunate for all Hoosiers, not
just healthcare workers,” added Stephens.
