The Wolf Administration announced the availability of 24/7 call centers to provide clinical and operational support to long-term care facilities as they work to protect residents and staff from COVID-19. The call centers are run and staffed by health systems participating in the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program – the education and clinical support network launched for long-term care providers earlier this month.
“Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 could arise at any point, and for people living and working in a long-term care facility, quick action and mitigation efforts could be the difference between isolated cases and an outbreak,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller. “The Regional Response Health Collaboration was established to be a network that long-term care providers can turn to for real-time technical assistance and clinical support, and call centers run by each health system partner will allow facilities across Pennsylvania to know that no matter when they have a question or a challenge arises, they are not alone in this fight.”
More than 45,000 Pennsylvanians live in more than 1,200 personal care homes and assisted living residences, and more than 80,000 residents live in 693 nursing facilities throughout the commonwealth. These residents are often some of the most vulnerable and susceptible to COVID-19 due to age, presence of existing health conditions that may lead to complications, and the congregate nature of these facilities. The Wolf Administration said it’s committed to continuing to provide close support to long-term care facilities.
The RRHCP provides clinical, operational and administrative support to protect residents in long-term care facilities from COVID-19. Long-term care settings offer different levels of care, and less acute settings may not have on-site clinical support necessary to navigate the pandemic. The RRHCP will help those facilities implement best practices in infection control, implement contact tracing programs in facilities, support clinical care through on-site and telemedicine services, and provide remote monitoring and consultation with physicians. The collaboratives will also help facilities respond to developments and changes in implementing best practices in responding to COVID-19 so they are able to remain up-to-date with Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control guidance.
“We are pleased to offer this service to assist long-term care facilities who are in need of assistance as they protect their residents and staff,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “The support from the RRHCPs are essential as we see cases start to increase across the state, and prepare for a potential second wave in the fall. We are committed to ensuring that long-term care facilities are safe and protecting the health and wellbeing of Pennsylvania.”
Regional call centers will be available to provide direct support and assistance 24/7. Facilities in Bucks County can contact their RRHCP by calling the University of Pennsylvania/Temple University Hospital at 215-707-1300.
