Karson is only eight years old, but he has spent more time with doctors, in ambulances, and inside...
Read MoreIt was May 11 when Daniel Hickey of Pittsgrove Township began experiencing symptoms that raised suspicion he might have COVID-19. Although a test confirmed it a few days later, his symptoms were mild enough that managing them at home was reasonable. Hickey was sure he could ride it and would soon feel better, even as his symptoms progressed.
Daniel Hickey of Pittsgrove attributes his rapid recovery to the aggressive treatments he received at Inspira Vineland, including convalescent plasma and Remdesivir. To date, Inspira has enrolled nearly 90 patients in the convalescent plasma research study led by the Mayo Clinic. Members of the care team and hospital leadership were on hand to provide a joyful send off.
The cough worsened and his fever began to spike. When speaking became difficult, he knew he couldn’t beat the virus alone. On May 23, he was admitted to Inspira Medical Center Vineland.
There, his treatment was swift and aggressive. He was quickly enrolled in a research study lead by the Mayo Clinic that enabled him to receive convalescent plasma, a blood product from someone who had already recovered from COVID-19. Within 48 hours he was feeling much better. Then he received Remdesivir, the antiviral medication that received emergency FDA approval for the treatment of COVID-19 just weeks earlier. He continued to improve rapidly.
Just five days after being admitted, Hickey responded, “Great!” when asked how he was feeling. One day later he stepped out of the elevator and into the hospital’s main lobby where he was greeted by nearly two dozen Inspira staff, leadership and physicians. His voice was strong as he addressed those who assembled to wish him well. In keeping with hospital policy, he wore a face mask, and staff refrained from the hugs and handshakes they wanted to offer. Despite these limitations, the smiles were “visible,” and the feelings of triumph and joy couldn’t be missed.
Hickey thanked the “doctors, nurse, everyone” and called the care he received “amazing.”
“You were relentless, you didn’t miss a beat. It was a whole team effort. I had never been here before but it was amazing,” said Hickey. “It’s a great day.”
Daniel Hickey reunites with his wife, Kellie, as he is discharged from Inspira Medical Center Vineland. He spent six days in the hospital receiving treatment, including convalescent plasma and Remdesivir, for COVID-19.
Despite the grand send-off, Daniel Hickey’s discharge from the hospital was not quite complete. To make it official, he had to walk outside, take a breath of the warm spring air, and be reunited with his wife, Kellie.
For more information about Inspira Health, please visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA. To stay connected with Inspira announcements and work being done in the community, please join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Inspira is proud to be the Official Health Care Partner of the Philadelphia Wings professional lacrosse team.
About Inspira Health
Inspira Health is a charitable nonprofit health care organization and a regional leader in physician training, with approximately 160 medical residents and fellows in nine nationally accredited specialty programs. The system, which traces its roots to 1899, comprises three hospitals, two comprehensive cancer centers, several multi-specialty health centers and a total of more than 150 access points. These include urgent care; outpatient imaging and rehabilitation; sleep medicine labs; cardiac testing facilities; digestive health and wound care centers; home care and hospice; and more than 30 primary and specialty physician practices in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, Camden and Atlantic counties.
Together with its medical staff of more than 1,300 physicians and other care providers, as well as more than 6,200 employees, Inspira Health provides evidence-based care to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Accredited by DNV Healthcare, the system’s clinical and support staffs are focused on providing quality care in a safe environment. For more information about Inspira Health, visit www.InspiraHealthNetwork.org or call 1-800-INSPIRA.
