T
he pandemic has everyone on edge
and patients' frustration levels have
understandably reached an all-time
high. Dealing with a highly agitated
patient can be scary — especially dur-
ing the height of COVID-19 — and is something
many healthcare workers don't know how to prop-
erly handle. Offering training and solutions for inci-
dents like this is something The Oregon Clinic
Gastroenterology East at Gateway in Portland does
not take lightly, and is one of the many reasons the
facility is the winner of the 2020 OR Excellence
Award for Employee Safety.
"We've called the local sheriff's department to get
pointers on how to deal with difficult patients," says
Wendy Wellott, RN, an endoscopy nurse who is also
the facility's safety and infection coordinator. "It's
hard to stay calm when someone is being irrational."
The clinic has a backup system called Dr.
Strong, which is an alert button installed in the
reception area. If a patient or a visitor is agitated
and staff doesn't feel comfortable, they press the
button to alert the center's security officer. The
computers at the front desk are equipped with
Skype, so staff can easily log on and message
someone if they need help.
S
E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 3 1
EMPLOYEE SAFETY
Always Looking Out for One Another
The Oregon Clinic Gastroenterology East at Gateway
ensures personal protection remains a top priority.
Danielle Bouchat-Friedman | Associate Editor
DR. STRONG The clinic installed an alert button under the desk in the receptionist area so staff can make covert calls for help.
Wendy
Wellott,
RN
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