Friday, April 3, 2009

outbreak?

So a few of the docs at work are sick. One of the residents from last year has confirmed TB. The psychologist has TB. The current senior resident has new nodules on his xray and CT and additionally has fevers.

Obviously, this is kind of a problem. Luckily the chiefs are taking Rahm Emanuel's advice to "never let a crisis go to waste" and are pushing the hospital admin and the government to do something about the barely working mechanical ventilation, upkeeping the UV lights (does a great job at killing TB), and building an outdoor waiting room for the outpatient service so that patients don't all catch TB waiting to see the doc (natural ventilation is actually superior to mechanical in dissipating TB).

Aside from my concern for the patients and their families, nurses, doctors, volunteers - it's a tough spot for the study since we won't be able to start any new patients anytime soon.

And mom, don't worry, I'm wearing my N95 mask.

2 comments:

alliwannadoisbicycle said...

yeah, time for a gas mask...

Roxy said...

I was gonna ask... what about you?