By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Across the nation, hospitals are buckling under the strain of patient surges and staff shortages due to COVID-19.
Wood County Hospital is managing the local demands, with five patients being treated for COVID-19 as of Monday morning.
“We’re doing really well, so we’re obviously not the norm,” said Cristy Walton, vice president of development at Wood County Hospital.
Though some hospital staff have contracted the coronavirus, the impact has not been enough to disrupt hospital operations, Walton said.
“We are not having any staffing issues up to date,” she said.
Other hospitals in the region have been reaching out to Wood County Hospital about taking their COVID patients.
“We have other hospitals call with overflow,” Walton said. Sometimes Wood County Hospital officials accept them – other times they don’t. “We want to make sure we’re available for our own patients.”
Over this past weekend, Wood County Health Department reported 323 new COVID-19 cases in the county. As of Monday, the county had 506 active cases, which means the number of residents who are being monitored by the health department according to state and federal isolation criteria.
While Walton said she could not release how many of the current five patients are on ventilators, she did say the hospital added ventilators earlier this year in expectation of greater needs.
“We prepared for the surge back in April, so we have plenty,” she said.
Meanwhile, the hospital is also focusing on providing its standard services to patients.
“We are able to treat anyone who comes through our doors,” Walton said.
And telehealth services are available for those unable or uncomfortable with face-to-face appointments.
Wood County Hospital is also gearing up for the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine. Teams are being put in place to handle the hospital’s role in the distribution.
“We’re looking forward to that,” Walton said, though the plans are yet to be revealed. “We’re waiting just like everyone else to hear.”
The hospital already has one freezer capable of storing the vaccine at the extreme low temperatures required. Another freezer has been ordered and is expected to arrive in early December.
