HJNO Sep/Oct 2020

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  SEP / OCT 2020 19 mental health toll this is taking on every- one impacted, and particularly our front- line workers. We’ve seen huge demand for behavioral health services, and anticipate this will continue as we navigate these uncertain times. The impact of job loss and financial burdens also have an impact on people’s well- being. Stress negatively impacts your physi- cal health, and when you couple that with delaying care, it could create some signifi- cant challenges. Heaton & Masterton  Capacity could be a challenge, and the need for non-emer- gent procedures, flu season, and continued COVID-19 cases. We must also continue to encourage the community to seek traditional care, not allowing fear of COVID-19 to keep people away from seeking emergency care or regu- lar health appointments. Mauldin The most significant challenge fac- ing us now is maintaining sufficient staff- ing, especially nursing, in order to treat both COVID patients and the general seasonal increase in hospitalizations we usually see in the fall/winter. We can usually depend on contract labor to fill in occasional gaps, and help manage seasonal surges. But with the tremendous need for nurses in Florida, Texas, and other hard-hot areas, those staff are harder and harder to come by. Do you believe relationships formed during this time have changed, or will change the landscape of the health- care system in our area? Hart  Absolutely.The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating in many ways, but it’s also created more awareness of the importance of healthcare and well-being. The ongoing communication we see between our lead- ers, providers, and employees has created a support system for those fighting this virus, and improved coordination of care. We’re learning and making changes at an incred- ible pace, and by coming together for one purpose—helping and caring for our com- munity—we’re able to see the impact. Heaton & Masterton  Yes, hospitals are united by their commonmissions. This is not a typi- cal industry, like two competing car manu- facturers or soft drink distributers; we are an essential part of the community’s infrastruc- ture, and we all have that priority first. I see this group of hospitals working together in all emergency preparedness situations—weather events, pandemics, mass casualty events. Mauldin  I do. Anytime a group of people can link together for the betterment of the city