Each week, medical leadership from Virginia Hospital Center share important information updates on the COVID-19 status. There were a few important takeaways from the May 1, 2020 meeting that I wanted to share.
These updates are presented by Dr. Jeff DiLisi, Chief Medical Officer, Melody Dickerson, Chief Nursing Officer, and Anthony Burchard, Foundation President. To watch the previous week’s leadership huddles, visit the VHC website here.
- Virginia Hospital Center has been participating in the national clinical trial to test Remdesivir, a potential medication for the treatment of COVID-19. The actual trial results (sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) included more than 1,000 hospitalized patients (VHC participated) and found that those receiving Remdesivir recovered faster than those who got a placebo: in 11 days, versus 15 days. This is great news.
- VHC is also an official partner site for the Mayo Clinic’s investigational convalescent plasma program. The program explores the use of convalescent plasma, collected from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, as a potential treatment for other hospitalized patients with the advanced illness. The plasma contains antibodies that can attack the virus and may help patients recover more rapidly. People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 are encouraged to email: plasmadonation@virginiahospitalcenter.com. A VHC representative will respond with information concerning convalescent plasma donation.