BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As coronavirus continues to spread, healthcare providers are unveiling new policies to keep up with an influx of patients.
One solution is designated coronavirus treatment centers. Boston's Carney Hospital is undergoing changes to become the what they say is the nation's first "dedicated care center" for patients diagnosed COVID-19.
The Dorchester hospital, operated by Steward Health, will begin the transformation Tuesday. "Carney Hospital’s conversion will include the creation of negative pressure patient wards, enhanced patient isolation protocols, and the marshaling of specialty equipment needed to treat critical COVID-19 cases - including an increased supply of ventilators and personal protective equipment," Steward Health Care said in a statement.
The decision serves two purposes, the company says. "By locating COVID-19 patients in a focused environment, Steward can better dedicate the necessary resources, equipment and expertise to provide COVID-19 patients focused care and the very best opportunity for a full recovery," the company said. "Secondly, this measure keeps Steward’s Emergency Rooms and other hospitals in Massachusetts fully operational, allowing us to continue caring for other patients who are sick, who are mid-course in treatments, who are in chronic pain and who need high-quality care."
On Monday, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced 33 new cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, bringing the total in the state to 197.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jim MacKay reports:
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