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ORLANDO, Fla., – July 28, 2020 – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday commended AdventHealth physicians, nurses and other team members for their innovation and care of hundreds of people diagnosed with COVID-19.
DeSantis led a roundtable with AdventHealth Orlando’s leading clinical team, where the group discussed the positive increase in survival rates, treatment options and a relative plateau in the number of COVID-19 infections statewide.
“Physicians are working very hard to improve outcomes, and that’s saving a lot of lives,” said DeSantis.
Highlights of the panel discussion include:
Gov. Ron DeSantis:
“COVID-19 is a very lonely illness…People with the most significant health impacts don’t have the ability to be with family during those difficult end-of-life situations. AdventHealth has allowed those families to come in and be with their loved ones during those final moments. They recognized this was a really big deal and decided to make that accommodation and I think that’s been a big relief to a lot of families. Thank you for doing that. I think it’s the right thing to do.”
Dr. Eduardo Oliveira, executive medical director for critical care services, AdventHealth Central Florida Division:
“A big credit needs to be given to the staff. Our staff has done a tremendous job. It’s truly a team effort.”
“Our mortality rate is below national average. The survival rate is 75 percent, compared to only around 15-20 percent in New York and other areas early on. Time has allowed us to be better at it, no doubt about it.”
Dr. Vincent Hsu, executive director of infection control, AdventHealth:
“We have seen a steady and consistent decline (in COVID-19 cases). We hope these trends continue.”
Dr. Omayra Mansfield, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Apopka and AdventHealth Winter Garden:
“Patients have delayed access to care out of fear. That’s worrisome. Patients who have other medical problems are delaying care – chest pain, stroke, there’s a fear of getting COVID. We’re seeing some worsening outcomes because of the delayed care.”
Linnette Johnson, chief nursing officer, AdventHealth Central Florida Division
“We believe human connection is part of healing and part of comfort. It takes people caring for people to get us through this pandemic.
PHOTO, VIDEO, AND AUDIO ASSETS
Full media conference/roundtable link: https://vimeo.com/442401254#t=1425s
Dr. Omayra Mansfield on getting the health care you need, identifying COVID symptoms, and reassurance for parents as children prepare to return to school.
1 – Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses reporters following a roundtable with clinicians at AdventHealth Orlando. (L-R Linnette Johnson, RN, Dr. Vincent Hsu, Dr. Eduardo Oliveira, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Dr. Omayra Mansfield)
2 – Gov. Ron DeSantis asks a question of Linnette Johnson, RN, chief nursing officer, AdventHealth Central Florida Division.
3 – Gov. Ron DeSantis meets with clinicians and administrators at AdventHealth Orlando. (L-R Dr. Omayra Mansfield, Linnette Johnson, RN, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Brett Spenst, Dr. Vincent Hsu, Dr. Eduardo Oliveira)
4 – Gov. Ron DeSantis is screened prior to participating in a roundtable with clinicians at AdventHealth Orlando.