As of May 11th, 2023, the federal government lifted the COVID-19 PHE declaration. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been a challenging time for everyone. It’s hard to believe that it has been over three years since news reports first alerted us about cases of the novel coronavirus in the U.S. Since then, we have seen the disease spread everywhere, resulting in widespread shutdowns, restrictions, and changes to our daily lives. The declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization and a national emergency by the U.S. Government were significant events that marked the seriousness of the situation. The implementation of masking and spacing requirements, as well as limitations on visitation within health care systems, were necessary measures to slow the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.
Like many times in the past 3 years, the end of the COVID-19 PHE declaration comes with policy changes for many healthcare organizations. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has provided an End of PHE Quick Reference Guide for Hospices. Here at Hospice of Southern Illinois, our staff is working hard to stay up-to-date on these changes in order to continue providing quality care to our patients, families, and the communities we serve.
As we reach the end of the PHE, it is important to reflect on the progress made and the lessons learned. This milestone provides an opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that we are providing the best possible care for those in need.