Tidelands implementing ‘surge strategies’: Latest on local hospital coronavirus response
Tidelands Health is implementing “surge strategies,” in an effort to increase critical care units in preparation for an increase in local coronavirus cases.
Critical care units at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital and Waccamaw Community Hospital, where a patient reported positive for COVID-19 Monday, have been expanded to include patient rooms typically used for general surgical patients, according to a news release.
These changes have created a ripple effect with increased staffing, as all available rooms have been put in operation; labor and delivery services and pediatrics at the Georgetown hospital have been consolidated to Waccamaw; and emergency departments are preparing to open medical tents for triage of patients with less severe symptoms.
The news release also notes that Tidelands has acquired additional ventilators for the critical care units.
The Sun News asked local healthcare providers how many ventilators and face masks they have available, but none provided any numbers.
Dawn Bryant, spokeswoman for Tidelands, responded that they’re working closely with Medical University of South Carolina and other regional hospitals on preparedness efforts and are closely monitoring supply needs while instituting conservation measures.
Allyson Floyd, spokeswoman for Conway Medical Center, responded that they work with other hospital systems in the region to mitigate capacity issues and are actively working with vendors to ensure they continue to receive the necessary supplies.
Katie Maclay, spokeswoman for Grand Strand Health, noted that their preparedness efforts include ensuring availability and access to supplies and equipment.
McLeod Health did not provide a response by time of publication.
