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Task Force Shifts Ebola Patient's Treatment Strategy

October 23, 2014 / 6:37 PM CDT / CBS Texas

AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) - At the first hearing held by the Texas Task Force On Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response, some of the most experienced infectious disease doctors in Texas discussed lessons learned from the three Ebola cases in Dallas. And they didn't hold back criticism of the CDC.

Dr. William Sutker, Chief of Infectious Disease at Baylor University Medical Center said, "There was a perception the response was slow and a little bit disorganized. I think everything was changing so rapidly that they were doing the best they can, and I think they caught up and finally ‎provided us with the guidance that we need."

Complete Coverage Of Ebola In North Texas

Texas' health services commissioner, Dr. David Lakey went further. He said the state's two new Ebola treatment facilities in Richardson and Galveston represent a major change in strategy in how to care for those with the virus. "Prior to this event, the national strategy ‎was that community hospitals would be able to care for individuals and I think our experience here shows that strategy needs to change, and that you really need to have some facilities ready throughout the state of Texas and nationwide where these individuals can be sent to."

But even so, experts here emphasized all hospitals in Texas still need to be ready for people like Thomas Duncan, who last month, walked into the emergency room at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas with symptoms of Ebola.

The director of the state's task force, Dr. Brett Giroir said they're committed to improving public health. "This is a broad based policy and educational effort that we can't fix overnight, but we need to start fixing today. If we don't start fixing today, it's not going to be fixed."

Two of the many recommendations mentioned during the hearing include establishing a regional Ebola treatment facility in San Antonio, and standardizing training and protocols for all health workers in Texas.