Hospital doctor describes caring for COVID-19 patients

Cathy Dobson Dr. Ryan Dobbs is a hospitalist at Bluewater Health and treating COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. He talked to The Journal about life on the front line. This interview has been condensed. JOURNAL – Dr.

Cathy Dobson  

Dr. Ryan Dobbs is a hospitalist at Bluewater Health and treating COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. He talked to The Journal about life on the front line. This interview has been condensed.

JOURNAL – Dr. Dobbs, can you describe what it’s like for health-care workers?

R.D. – We prepared for the worst-case scenario, and initially it was a bit anxiety provoking. There was a lot of change because this is a new disease. But a lot of nurses and allied health-care workers — like clerks and cleaning staff — volunteered to work on the Med-C unit (where many COVID-19 patients are located) and they’re doing a great job. Education has been key…so we can be proactive with our standard of care.

JOURNAL – What is your greatest challenge caring for COVID-19 patients?

R.D. – That it’s a new disease. New information is presented every day about its complications and potential treatments. It really seems to change daily, so we’re learning as much as we can as we go along. One big thing that changed is that when this started, a lot of patients were intubated early (in their treatment). Now we’re trying to avoid intubation if we can, and it’s making a difference in patient outcomes.

JOURNAL – How prepared for the outbreak was Bluewater Health?

R.D. – As prepared as we could have been. Prior to the first case we had a mock ‘code orange’ to prepare for the worst-case scenario. That would mean an influx of patients (all needing hospital resources). But that never happened. Our resources were never overwhelmed. We had 32 COVID-19 patients at one point but they didn’t all come in at the same time.

JOURNAL – I understand the number of people presenting at the hospital with ailments other than COVID-19 has dropped considerably. Why is this happening?

R.D. – It’s true. (Emergency Room) volumes are down and volumes are down for admitted patients. I’ve had a couple of patients put off coming to the hospital because they were scared, and I want to say that people with serious issues should come to the ER. Don’t wait. I was in the ER, in triage, the other day and saw that staff is using sanitizers, they’re wearing masks, and potential COVID-19 patients (are isolated). All precautions are being taken. Don’t wait.

JOURNAL – We’re all hungry for good news. Can you relate any success stories?

R.D. – Yes, I recently had a patient discharged who had been in hospital for more than a month with COVID-19. He had been quite sick in ICU and he pulled through. The community celebrated with a drive by.

JOURNAL – What’s your best advice as the community slowly begins to reopen?

R.D. – Maintain social distancing and wash your hands. Follow public health’s advice. Also, go to the ER if you are having neurological symptoms or difficulty breathing. Some people get delirium with COVID-19 or stroke-like symptoms.

JOURNAL – Do you think there will be a second wave?

R.D. – That’s definitely a possibility, especially once we open up things. The key is going to be public health protocols, testing and contact tracking.

JOURNAL – Dr. Dobbs, the Sarnia community thanks you for all you are doing through this pandemic, and I thank you for your time.