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Two Alice businesses work together to create safe testing for coronavirus
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April 6, 2020
Dr. Erik Nisimblat sees one of his patients behind a Plexiglas shield designed by Brent Hoffman, owner of “Rockin’ h Ranch Services Design + Build firm” out of Alice .
As the number of U.S. COVID-19 cases expands, some healthcare providers are rolling out drive-through testing to help protect patients and healthcare workers from contracting the virus. Alice Pediatric Clinic located on 305. E. Third St. in Alice began drive-up testing for COVID-19 last week.
Patients can get tested without entering the pediatric office. They are initially evaluated in their own vehicles. Children (ages 0-20) stay in their cars and parents open the door for small children and hold them on their lap, while limiting exposure to others.
Brent Hoffman, left, owner of “Rockin’ h Ranch Services Design + Build firm” out of Alice and Dr. Erik Nisimblat, right, of Alice Pediatric Clinic work together to provide a safe testing site for coronavirus.
Alice Pediatric Clinic staff adheres to wearing the proper PPE to gather the test swabs from patients.
A healthcare professional checks for a temperature and ask questions to identify the higher risk patients (e.g. possible exposure, fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches or recent travel).
"We need to collect swabs safely and efficiently,” Dr. Erik Nisimblat said. To this end, a tent is located outside in the back of the Pediatric Practice. Everything about the space is designed to cut down on the spread of the virus.
However, to protect healthcare providers from direct exposure to potential COVID-19 cases, the Alice Pediatric Clinic needed to design a set up that would be adequate for medical providers.
Despite the providers wearing their protective equipment (PPE), which includes gowns, gloves, respirator face masks, and eye protection to exam patients, additional protection was needed. Test swab collection requires a much closer encounter between the healthcare provider and the patient.
Furthermore, collecting the sample typically causes the patient to either sneeze or cough, potentially aerosolizing the virus. Another layer of protection was needed. Fortunately, through the ingenuity and productive assistance of a local business owner, they were able to see their vision come to fruition.
Brent Hoffman, owner of “Rockin’ h Ranch Services Design + Build firm” out of Alice, was able to respond to the clinic’s needs quickly. He constructed a portable Plexiglas booth with incorporated shoulder-length arm coverings, allowing the healthcare worker a protective shield, while safely collecting the test swab from patients; thus, mitigating unnecessary exposure to the virus.
“After consulting with the medical director’s needs, we determined that a rolling station was needed, with clear visualization of the patient that allowed for close proximity, and a station that could easily be disinfected between patients,” Hoffman said. “Having kids of our own and witnessing the seriousness of this pandemic, it was evident the importance this testing design barrier would provide to our community.
“We pray that it stays away from our community, but we’re happy to design something that can help prevent the spread of this virus that is changing the world we know,” Hoffman said.
Alice Pediatric Clinic follows the CDC and Texas Department of Health and Human Services guidelines to proceed with the assessment of our patients to determine the need for COVID-19 testing. If meeting the requirement, patients’ swabs will be collected and sent to a third-party lab for testing. Patients would then be directed home for self-quarantine until the result is reported to the physician at which point plan of care is then adjusted.
The coronavirus has not disrupted normal operation hours; however, the Clinic has adjusted its workflow to the current situation and is very conscientious of the safety that is required. “We are committed to our community, and we will always provide the best care possible to our patients, especially as new needs present themselves,” Dr. Nisimblat said. “I urge our entire community to practice social distancing to preserve the health care system’s ability to attend to those in need.
"We are grateful to our staff that have taken this situation to heart and have not stopped serving our patients. Quoting St. Maxmillion Kolbe, 'Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice ... without sacrifice, there is no love,'" as such, Dr. Erik Nisimblat urges, “This is what our practice is asking from you. Love your family and community through self-sacrifice – by heeding the advice of your healthcare professionals and community leaders, by the practice of social distancing, follow shelter-in-place orders, avoid touching your face, using good and frequent Handwashing.”
“This is the beauty of our small town – people coming together, using the resources available and God-given talents to assist in the well-being of our community,” said Donna Lara, Alice Pediatric Clinic office manager.
Alice Pediatric will provide a test to their patients who exhibit signs or symptoms, especially if they have been exposed and advise parents to get tested as well if they meet the criteria. The center encourages patients to call the office first to schedule testing at (361) 664-9353 and a healthcare provider will assist with medical needs.
Due to current circumstances, Alice Pediatric Center highly encourages their patients to utilize telemedicine if ultimate care can be provided with a virtual visit. Limiting their exposure and to others is the best-case approach, but if a child requires to be seen in person, they are available to care for them. Simply download the “Anytime Pediatrics” app on your phone and use the code #9353.
