Dear Colleagues,
As we continue to keep Dr. Spencer in our thoughts for a full and speedy recovery, we want to provide some additional information about how Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital have been working with government health officials to put protocols in place for the return of members of our community who provide essential care to the people in West Africa.
Since his return from the affected area, Dr. Spencer has not been physically present at any hospital or Columbia facility. Ebola is spread only through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola or a person who has died of Ebola. Patients are not infectious until they have a fever, and Dr. Spencer was evacuated and quarantined soon after he first noted a fever.
Clinical personnel, including faculty and staff at Columbia University Medical Center, should refer to the ColumbiaDoctors Intranet (https://secure.cumc.columbia.edu/columbiadoctors/ebola.html) or the NewYork-Presbyterian Infonet (http://infonet.nyp.org/EPI/Pages/EID.aspx) for detailed information about protocols, precautions, training and resources that apply to them. You may also contact Workforce Health and Safety for Faculty/Staff with Hospital Responsibilities, Morningside/CUMC: 212-305-7590 or 305-7590 (from a campus phone) if you have other questions. Students on the Morningside campus may also contact Medical Services, visit www.health.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-2284. Students at the Medical Center may visit www.cumc.columbia.edu/student/health or call (212) 305-3400.
Sincerely,
Lee Goldman, MD
Harold and Margaret Hatch Professor of the University
Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine
Steven J. Corwin, MD
Chief Executive Officer
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital