LATEST UPDATES

Homeless Population Isolation Protocols

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please become familiar with the protocols for our homeless population in the City and County of Los Angeles and the County of San Diego. As more locations are added, additional protocols will become available for review.

KPSC COVID-19 READINESS AND SUPPLIES

Scrubs Issued

KP-issued scrubs (or equivalent garment substitute) are being given to physicians and employees who provide care and support to patients who meet the criteria for or have tested positive for COVID-19. This allocation to physicians and employees is an addition to those individuals already included in their local scrub attire policy. To learn more, you can review the scrub policy, and guidance document along with talking points and signage.

 Critical Supply Vendor Vetting Process

The national Supply Chain team continues to work hard to ensure the safety and protection of our patients, physicians, and staff. Active vendor vetting and sourcing of new supply sources continues in response to the anticipated supply challenges.

Spread the Word About Supply Donations

A top priority is always the safety of our members, physicians, and staff. We are working to secure the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies to safeguard our employees and physicians. You can read more on insideKP and About KP.

PHARMACY AND MEDICATION

KP’s Statement on Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and Chloroquine Dispensing

These drugs have been identified as having a potential beneficial impact in the treatment of some severely sick COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized; they also have health benefits for patients with lupus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, demand for these drugs has dramatically risen to quickly reduce supply. To help mitigate this issue, KP continues to actively manage the situation and has issued a statement to help provide a perspective on the situation.

FACILITY AND CARE DELIVERY LOCATION UPDATES

Temporary Closures

The work to prepare for the growth of Covid-19-related care continues, with temporary closures of MOBs and other care locations across the region. These closures allow Kaiser Permanente to consolidate and conserve resources – including people, equipment, and supplies.  Great care is being taken to ensure that our members and patients retain care that is available to them either virtually and/or in other nearby medical offices or medical centers. As of March 28, 2020, here is a list of temporary closures.

SCAL Target Clinics Closed

All Southern California Target Clinics have closed for face-to-face visits as of Friday, March 27. The care is part of the virtual care offerings for our members as part of our COVID-19 care delivery strategy. To support these closures and help our members and patients, please use these handy flyer’s and posters which are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

INFORMATION RESOURCES

Understanding KP’s Droplet Protection Strategy

Stephen M. Parodi, MD, National Infectious Disease, and Linda Knodel, SVP and chief nurse executive, National Patient Care Services offer assurance around

protecting our teams and managing resources. You can also get information like this “on-the-go” right in the palm of your hand on your mobile phone. It’s easy!

Keeping Up with COVID-19

KP is prepared to keep our members, patients, and each other safe while providing care during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here’s another source of information that is available, updated on a regular basis, and will help you protect yourself and others, and understand the latest guidelines and protocols. Read and share.

Member Service Contact Center (MSCC) Q&A

Here are latest Member Service Contact Center Q&A documents for use when answering questions from members about the novel coronavirus/COVID-19. The first document covers general questions and the second document covers pharmacy-related questions. Please use these documents to replace the earlier messaging sent

INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE OF KP

FAQ’s for Managers and Employees

Stay current and having information that is easy to access is vital. Here are handy links to FAQ’s for both managers and employees. Check these pages regularly for the latest information.

Important EAP Resources

Resources to help manage stress are now available from EAP for physicians, managers, and employees. Also, childcare resources and referrals are also available from EAP. These are helpful resources to use during these stressful times.

Important Reminder – The KP4U App Keeps You Informed While on the Go

Get the latest news regarding COVID-19 on the KP4U app. If you’ve downloaded an early version of the app, we recommend downloading the most recent version to get all the current updates and features. It’s easy! All you need is your mobile device and your NUID to get started.

1. Download the KP4U app on the Apple App Store, Google Play, or the KP App Store.
2. Sign in using your NUID and KP network password. New users follow instructions to complete setup.
3. Start reading the latest KP news!

KP4U can be accessed from any mobile device. Please share KP4U information with your teams and encourage them to download the app and use to stay informed.

TOWN HALLS AND COMMAND CENTER VISITS

Listen to the March 26 Town Hall

You can listen to a recording of the March 26 KPSC Town Hall on COVID-19. Simply, dial the toll-free phone number, 1-888-203-1112, and enter the passcode: 4000855. This call-in service is available now until Sunday, April 5, 2020 at 3 p.m. Or, you can listen to the rebroadcast on insideKP.

Town Hall Attendance COVID-19

There have been 2 Town Hall’s to provide important information on COVID-19 and KP’s response. In fact, this forum has become a go-to source for information from our leaders and important guests. Attendance continues to climb. Watch for a save-the-date email for next week’s Town Hall. Attendance numbers are below. 

Command Center Visits

Members of the KPSC Joint Executive Team (JET) continue to visit our Medical Center Command Centers to see first-hand the wonderful work being done, provide timely information, answer any questions, and express our deepest appreciation to all. 

MEDIA

Healthline.com

Dr. Nancy Gin, regional medical director, Quality and Clinical Analysis, SCPMG was interviewed in a recent article published by Healthline.com, in which she said we’re currently living in “extraordinary times” and the goal right now is “flattening the curve”. 

Social Media

On Saturday, March 28, a well-deserved “thank you” message was sent via our Southern California Twitter and Instagram accounts to our dedicated KP health care workers who tirelessly care for KP members.

Go to the COVID-19 Update web page to access necessary resources. Check this site regularly for the latest information and documents. If your area needs to communicate, please use this Update and the COVID-19 website. For questions or to include information in future editions of this update, please email: [email protected].