KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Health Subcommittee, visited The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan., and continued his tour of Kansas’ 128 community hospitals to learn more about how Kansas hospitals plan to care for and isolate patients who may present themselves with Ebola symptoms. 

Last week, The University of Kansas Hospital had isolated and treated a patient who had presented himself with Ebola symptoms. The patient has since gone through two confirmatory tests to rule out Ebola. 

At the KU Hospital, Sen. Moran was given a demonstration on how nurses and physicians properly utilized Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as how the hospital will care for future patients who may present with Ebola symptoms.

During a press conference with The University of Kansas Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lee Norman, Sen. Moran discussed his appreciation for the care and abundance of caution used by the staff, nurses and physicians; support of a travel ban on commercial airline passengers traveling from nations afflicted by Ebola; and his efforts to hold a Senate Appropriations Health Subcommittee Hearing on the domestic implications of Ebola.

Please see below excerpts from the press conference:

On The University of Kansas Hospital
“It’s great to see that they did so well under difficult circumstances. It’s very comforting for me as a Kansan to know that the KU Hospital is here and the ability of facility, personnel and staff… who are willing to care for people who have illnesses. One of the reasons I’m here today is to meet those who staff members and thank them for doing their job so well. The other reason is related to my job as a United States Senator. 

“I wanted to be here today to know what’s going on front and center here as we try to care for patients who may present themselves with symptoms that would suggest Ebola. And then as equally important, to make certain that the rest of the public has a sense of confidence in that ability and that public health and welfare is protected.”

On a Senate Appropriations Health Subcommittee Hearing
“Our committee held a hearing a little more than a month ago in Washington, D.C. on the topic of Ebola, but things have changed in my view significantly since that hearing occurred. Then the focus was on West Africa. Now, we know with presentations here in the United States, certainly in Dallas, this is an issue that has domestic implications for the health and well-being of Americans.”

On his support of a travel ban on commercial airline passengers traveling from nations afflicted by Ebola

“I believe from the beginning and continue to believe today that containing Ebola in West Africa is the best defense for the public health of the citizens of the United States. We need to have stepped up efforts in securing the safety of travel into the United States.”

On need for effective interagency coordination

“Most public health efforts are accomplished by states across the country. Every state has a public health department that is responsible for the health in the communities of their state for their citizens. Where the federal government plays a critical role is making certain that information is provided – the latest protocols, the latest scientific information, the latest medical information. There is also a significant federal role in securing the safety of travel into the United States. This is certainly a CDC issue in the sense that it provides the medical and scientific information, but it is also a U.S. Department of Transportation and Homeland Security issue of how to secure the borders and avoid a disease intentionally or unintentionally being brought to the United States. Those efforts need to be enhanced.”

YOUTUBE:  Click here to watch the clip on YouTube.

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