ISRRT_COVID-19_book

Impact of Pandemic on a Diagnostic Imaging Services Director
Beth L. Weber
In my forty years as a Radiology professional, I have encountered many major healthcare
issues in the emergency and operating rooms as a radiographer and sonograper. I also have
seen the impact and after effects of 3 tornadoes with up to 100 mile hour winds hitting our
hospital campus in one night 1 .
In March of 2020, suddenly there was a very contagious virus sweeping around the world
producing a pandemic. I had not experienced this magnitude of an impact on our healthcare
system and world. As the Director of Imaging Services for a 55 bed for profit / private
cardiovascular hospital with an Emergency Room, my leadership skills and experiences were
heightened. Without solid information about the COVID-19, we recalled the SARS virus and
the infection control measures needed to treat and prevent the spread. We put our
emergency preparedness and infection control plans into effect immediately.
Some of the duties and responsibilities as Diagnostic Imaging Director impacted by the
Pandemic included:
Staffing
The decision was made to temporaily close an outpatient cardio / vascular screening program
to limit traffic in the hospital. Reallocating staff to other work areas was needed, the nurses
were trained to monitor the doors and screen individuals’ temperatures and ask COVID-19
symptom screening questions. We also kept people supplied with masks. The sonographer
was asked to stay home using vacation hours or work in the supply department to help keep
inventory levels stocked in all the departments. Six months is a long time to be out of your
normal work routine with no projected end in sight.
Suspending the Radiology student clinical rotations slowed their ability to complete
competencies, their education and graduation date were extended in some situations.
Vacancies were difficult to fill due to the unavailablity of resources as well as the shortage of
62