WESTFIELD-Fourteen patients and 14 employees have been tested to date for the coronavirus from Western Massachusetts Hospital, according to Ann Scales, spokesperson for the state Department of Public Health.
“Of the 14 patients tested for COVID-19, 13 were negative and one was positive,” said Scales. “One patient tested positive and appears to be recovering.”
Scales added that one patient is on “contact precautions” for non-COVID related reasons.
Scales noted that one employee tested positive and remained out of work in compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
“This employee subsequently returned to work,” added Scales.
On Friday afternoon, there were no pending test results.
“We contract with Life Labs and response times have varied between 36 hours to five days,” said Scales.
Anthony R. DiStefano, MPA, acting CEO and previously the chief operating officer at Western Massachusetts Hospital (WMH), said his recent transition has been “seamless and without issue.” He assumed the new role when Valenda M. Liptak, who had served as CEO at WMH, was tapped to oversee the day-to-day operations at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.
Anthony R. DiStefano, MPA, acting CEO at Western Massachusetts Hospital, said the staff continues to perform “tirelessly and without hesitation.” (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“This is due solely to the incredible dedication and professionalism of our staff,” said DiStefano. “They continue to perform tirelessly and without hesitation to ensure the continued health and safety of our patients and their fellow co-workers.”
DiStefano said he felt honored to accept his new role at the hospital.
“All of us in health care are being asked to do more and work in an atmosphere we never thought likely,” said DiStefano. “I consider it an honor being asked to step up and assume additional responsibilities during this crisis, and my contribution pales in comparison to those on the front lines.”
Scales said the hospital currently possesses “sufficient” personal protective equipment to safely support the health care professionals.
“We participate in the weekly COVID conference call organized by city officials and have found the community to be very supportive,” said Scales. “At the present time we are not in need of any donations and would encourage donations be directed to the city’s first responders and other front line workers.”
