COVID Chronicle

Changing Our Process Northern Light Acadia Hospital has had to look at offering services in new ways to the people who need them most. COVID-19 thrives in congregate living. With an inpatient design similar to long-term care facilities, Acadia is taking thoughtful steps to protect residential clients. A negative COVID-19 test is required prior to all admissions, and staff are screened each time they enter the building. Inpatient activities were limited due to the risk of spreading germs. This was especially evident for children as play therapy games like dodgeball, climbing the rock wall, or playing basketball were canceled. Staff have found creative ways to continue routines while adhering to safety guidelines. All outpatients who visit Acadia are required to wear a face covering. Enforcing face coverings on inpatient clients is more challenging, although residents are provided with masks and strongly encouraged to wear them. A strict no-visitor policy remains in effect, including in the pediatric unit. We do everything possible to help patients connect with their families or guardians via phone or video conferencing. Telehealth continues to be well-received at Acadia. Within two weeks, nearly all outpatient services were moved to our HIPAA compliant Zoom platform. Pediatric Day Treatment services were also uninterrupted via Zoom, providing much-needed structure for families as schools remain closed The world quickly realized the effect COVID has (and will continue to have) on mental and emotional health. Northern Light Acadia Hospital has been proactive in sharing timely information in the media, and with our community and state.

We also:

• Continued to safely serve those in the Narcotics Treatment Program with extended take-home dosing and close monitoring

• Launched Healthy Life Resources program to serve all of Northern Light Health

• Provided uninterrupted tele-psych services in emergency departments throughout the system and across the state

• Offered care via Integrated Behavioral Health and the Behavioral Health Home programs throughout the system

• Offered education and resources to healthcare providers

• Delivered niche services such as Mood and Memory Clinic, Eating Disorders Program, and Pediatric Day Treatment. All are positioned to expand into new markets through video conferencing

• We continued to recruit and onboard new providers

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