RCMS Prepares for COVID-19 Coronavirus - from the CEO

​Dear Mendonoma Community:
 
I am writing this advisory to inform you of changes RCMS is making to our normal procedures in preparation for the possible influx to our Urgent Care of higher numbers of patients with respiratory distress and related symptoms. These steps are proactive, to prevent overwhelming our Urgent Care.
 
1.The Gualala Clinic will expand its Urgent Care (UC) space.  It will be staffed by two providers. The first will attend to UC patients. The second provider will provide UC back-up as needed, while seeing primary care patients as time permits.
 
2.Non-Urgent Care/ Primary Care (e.g. normal primary care follow-ups, particularly for more pressing primary care issues) will be performed at Sea Watch (39150 Ocean Drive) and Point Arena.  Sea Watch and Point Arena may have 2 providers at once. 
 
3.Triage Tent: We have erected a tent in front of Urgent Care (for all triage) and a tent behind the parking lot for use for possible patient overflow. (Note: Triage is the process of sorting people based on their need for immediate medical treatment)
 
RCMS will start sending all respiratory/flu/cough/cold patients to the Gualala clinic.  We are also strongly encouraging all patients (not just cough/cold/flu) to call 707-884-4005 before coming in.   This will allow us to properly triage and isolate possible Coronavirus patients, as well as reduce risk of contaminating our other clinics. 
 
CORONAVIRUS TESTING:  We are NOT testing everyone nor doing screening for patients not showing any symptoms.  Due to limited testing supplies, we have strict protocols for testing and non-testing, made by the providers on a case by case situation.  If you are tested, you might be sent home to self-quarantine until your coronavirus test returns.  Currently this is a 72 hours turnaround process. RCMS will exercise appropriate treatment protocol depending on the test result.  
 
 MASS CASUALTY PLAN:  In the event that acutely ill patient numbers stress the system, we will shift to have more Providers doing Urgent Care duties.  We have placed a treatment tent behind the parking lot for patient overflow.  In addition, we are cooperating with the Coastal Life Support District (CLSD), the Fire Department, and Health Department to make future plans for this emergency.  
 
OUR STAFF AND STAFF FAMILY HEALTH:  We are actively monitoring the health of our staff. We will use the same protocol regarding testing/treating our staff. Our staff are wearing personal protective equipment consistent with protocols provided by the CDC.
 
RCMS understands that Coronavirus presents a challenging and stressful time for all Mendonomans. We are monitoring changes on a daily, even hourly, basis. We want you to know that RCMS is here for you. The RCMS staff and board urge you to be kind, calm, and patient with each other. 
 
Ara Chakrabarti
Chief Executive Officer
Redwood Coast Medical Services, Inc.
PO Box 1100
Gualala, CA 95445-1100
www.rcms-healthcare.org
achakrabarti@rcms-healthcare.org
Tel: (707) 884 - 4050