Ozark Radio News has begun working with Ozarks Healthcare to bring our audience the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic as our community experiences the Delta Variant. News Director Nate Hudson spoke with Executive Director of Nursing Lacey Carter, RN on how the hospital is handling the increase in COVID patients again.
OZH has access to a number of treatments against COVID-19. While intubation from a ventilator is well known for severe cases, one treatment for mild to moderate cases is monoclonal antibodies infusions. According to the FDA, “Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses.” Director Carter spoke on the use of these infusions:
The hospital has been at or near capacity daily since mid-July. With hospitalization pushing the limits on capacity, the best way to avoid the hospital is by use of one of the COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved for emergency use by the FDA. For those not wanting or unable to receive the shot, Director Carter offered her advice:
As Executive Director of Nursing, Lacey Carter is responsible for inpatient nursing units, emergency department, inpatient pharmacy, and education. Carter has been working with OZH for two years and is working with multiple departments in the fight against COVID-19.
