UC Davis Health, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial launch Telehealth ICU services

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) --- UC Davis Health and Adventist Health Lodi Memorial have teamed up to launch the Lodi hospital’s first telehealth intensive care unit (tele-ICU) services.

The new program provides a secure telecommunications link between clinicians at each hospital. It is staffed by pulmonology and critical care physicians at UC Davis Health who are available 24/7 for rapid consultations with colleagues in Lodi.

With its tele-ICU, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial can meet more patient care needs by safely increasing its overall hospital capacity.

The collaboration between UC Davis Health and Adventist Health Lodi Memorial is a strong example of hospitals working together to respond to and treat COVID-19 patients as positive cases rise throughout the state.

This latest initiative builds on the existing support UC Davis Health offers to adult and pediatric patients at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial through the physical presence of its clinicians. In addition, the Sacramento-based health system already provides high-speed telehealth services for the hospital’s Level 2 neonatal intensive care unit, neurology and emergency departments. The new tele-ICU now provides an additional layer of support to those providing care.

“This is a hard time for everyone, and San Joaquin County unfortunately has been impacted greatly,” said Christian Sandrock, vice chair for quality and safety and director of critical care at UC Davis Health. “It has been a real honor to be part of an organization that understands the true value of collaboration. To be able to support our partners is extremely gratifying.”

Sandrock noted there is a crucial need for specialists who are familiar with COVID-19 treatments and care. In addition, UC Davis’ extensive telehealth expertise enabled its technology team to establish the new tele-ICU connection in a record time.

“We’re grateful for this partnership for our team, patients and county,” said Patricia Iris, medical officer at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial. “Our healthcare heroes have been working tirelessly to care for our community, and it’s wonderful to be able to expand our capacity with UC Davis Health providers through virtual care.”

The collaboration between the two health systems enables San Joaquin County residents to remain close to home when they need medical care.

“Telehealth has always offered transformative health care capabilities,” said Brad Simmons, interim CEO of UC Davis Medical Center. “More importantly, because the San Joaquin County community has been so impacted by the pandemic, the best way to get through such a difficult time is to work together. This dynamic partnership reflects the sharing of skills and expertise, all with a commitment to patients and their families.”