News about the FM Clinic and HOS service

This morning’s update from Dr. Thompson included the news that the UHC building is currently targeted to be restored to service first, before the PCP. Most likely this means that our clinic will move to the UHC at least temporarily but possibly “permanently” (whatever “permanently” means…). Currently, the belief is that faculty offices, conference room space, etc. will remain in the 2nd floor of the PCP. Timeframe undetermined. I have sent an email to the powers that be requesting to be included in the decisions regarding our clinical space and also informing them of our RRC requirements. I will be looking forward to the opportunity to be involved in those ongoing negotiations.

The better news is that the first med/surg unit at JOHN SEALY is scheduled to open November 10, in time for us to resume our hospital service in block 6!! We have been promised beds, although I don’t have an exact number yet. As you know, L&D and NBN are already functional. I’m told no decisions have been made yet regarding pedi beds.

Last week we saw about 370 outpatient visits in our various locations, but mostly at Stewart Road. This is excellent, with steady increases in demand occurring every day. It is possible that I may put some R3s back into continuity clinics in this block even, so stay tuned! FYI, 370 would be about 50% of our normal volume for this time of year and is excellent under the circumstances. The key question is where will the demand level out? I’ve been saying all along that one of my indicators would be school enrollment. Last week while I was at Ball High for prenatal clinic, I learned that about 60% of GISD students have returned.

Today when I drove in, I noticed that almost all of the trash and debris has been removed from Holiday Drive between Seawall and Harborside. I got phone service at my house late yesterday afternoon. No DSL, but I do have telephone. And somebody (FEMA, the city?) picked up my stinky freezer full of rotten food from the alley. You may have seen that the curfew was lifted for all but part of the Strand and downtown areas a little over a week ago. The last Red Cross shelter on the island is closing today.

Slow but steady improvement all over the island is evident. We continue to await news from Dr. Callendar about the future of UTMB as a whole but at least I can say all things considered, FM is in about the best position we can be. Our programs are all functioning and we are serving our patients. Our students and residents are completing their educational experiences and we are going about our business.