Green Hills Foundation Hall was quickly transformed into an efficient COVID-19 testing center Wednesday afternoon, where approximately 170 staff members of the West Liberty long-term care center were tested by National Guard members in less than two hours, Green Hills Community representatives said.
Rebecca Marker-Smith, Green Hill Community director of marketing, said a registration area along with five testing stations were set up in Foundation Hall. The state-required procedure went smoothly thanks to the cooperation and efforts of staff and the professional National Guard members.
“We had a long line of employees waiting outside for their tests, but it all went very fast and we are thankful for everyone’s assistance,” she said. “The National Guard members were all suited and were wearing an N95 mask, face shields and gloves.”
At Green Hills, the employees who received the COVID-19 tests included office personnel, nursing home staff, kitchen personnel and housekeeping staff members. They were swabbed for the nasal test with a long Q-tip, which included 10 seconds in each nostril to sample the nasal membrane.
“It was a very ticklish feeling and not exactly pleasant, but we are just glad it’s done,” Marker-Smith said after her test. “Our employees have been absolutely wonderful throughout this time. We have been following all of the strictest guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health, ultimately for the safety and protection of our residents.”
The COVID-19 testing effort is part of the state’s initiative to test all nursing home staff members throughout Ohio for the virus. Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable for contracting the coronavirus, and also comprise a high-percentage of the COVID-19 deaths in Ohio, the ODH reports.
“To protect these residents and the staff who take care of them, the presence of COVID-19 in nursing home facilities must be identified so that measures can be put into place to isolate the virus and contain its spread,” ODH officials said.
Green Hills Community has been proactive throughout the health crisis since its local start this spring, and fortunately, has not had any positive cases thus far for staff or residents.
Marker-Smith said Green Hills residents and staff have been closely monitored anytime they have a change in their health.
“If someone has a fever or other symptoms, they have been instructed to be in touch with their physician and we also have been in touch with the health department as well to determine when testing is needed.”
Green Hills results from Wednesday’s procedures will be available in approximately two days, with the OSU Wexner Medical Center processing the tests.
“It will be interesting and very eye-opening to see if there are positive tests with individuals who were a-symptomatic and hadn’t experienced any issues,” Marker-Smith said.
During the statewide nursing home testing effort, the Ohio National Guard has being deployed to oversee logistical and operational support for Ohio’s collaborative testing effort. The ONG teams are comprised of licensed and credentialed medical and health care professionals. These teams visit each facility to collect and transport specimens for COVID-19 testing.
Throughout the challenges that have come about during the last several months, including no visitors for nursing home residents, Marker-Smith said she has been impressed with the way the Green Hills staff have put forth the extra effort to show that they care.
“It has been a trying time, but we have really come together,” she said. “They have proved that they’re really resilient. We have found ways to connect people to their loved ones through technology and to keep their spirits up.
“We’re also giving out a treat for the staff every week, including special lunches, and today they received a goodie bag after their tests. We can’t thank them enough for their positive attitudes and the way they’re weathering this crisis.”