'We're looking at every element': Opposing view

Today's development (of a second hospital worker diagnosed with Ebola), while concerning and unfortunate, is continued evidence that our monitoring program is working. We continue to monitor 75 health care workers in conjunction with the state. And while I cannot discuss patient specifics, I can tell you this new patient was involved in the care of Mr. Duncan, the original patient whose passing we still mourn.

Our interests at this time, first and foremost, is making certain both our current patients receive the care they need. That will remain our focus. The health and safety of our patients and employees remain our highest priority, and we will continue to coordinate with officials at all levels to meet the challenge that Ebola presents to our hospital, our community and our country.

A lot is being said about what may or may not have occurred to cause some of our colleagues to contract this disease, but it's clear there was an exposure somewhere, some time, in their treatment of Mr. Duncan. Let's be clear, we're a hospital that serves this community incredibly well, and we have for nearly half a century.

We're a hospital that may have done some things differently with the benefit of what we know today, but make no mistake, no one wants to get this right more than our hospital, the first to diagnose and treat this insidious disease that's now attacked two of our own.

After several weeks of great emotion and great effort, our team spirit is tried and tested, and the support of so many is really helping everyone to rise to continue to meet this challenge.

... I don't think we have a systematic institutional problem. I think the biggest challenge we have right now is, obviously, first and foremost, the care of the two patients that we have, and the ongoing screening of folks in the community.

Our emergency department has continued to have folks come in. It's a tribute to the information that's been out there in the community. I think the case of this (latest) patient again shows that the ability to intake those folks, get them into isolation, and manage them has been very effective.

But we're looking at every element of our personal protective equipment and infection control inside the hospitals. We don't have an answer for this right now, but we're looking at every possible angle.