Earlier this week, information about the pandemic planning that is underway across UNMC and Nebraska Medicine was outlined in this article. This is an update on the plan to manage an influx of patients requiring care and hospitalization.
In order to be prepared to care for additional COVID-19 (coronavirus) patients, the med center is acting now. Here is a summary of the work that is currently underway to make space available for additional coronavirus patients at the Nebraska Medical Center:
- Preparations to convert University Tower, level seven (currently home to pediatrics) to care for coronavirus/suspected coronavirus patients.
- Preparations to relocate pediatrics to Clarkson Tower, level four south, from University Tower, level seven, so that unit can be converted to negative air pressure for coronavirus patients.
- As part of this relocation, all pediatric patients will be moved. The tentative move date is Friday, March 13.
- The majority of pediatric patients will move to Clarkson Tower, level four, or the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), which is located on University Tower, level five. Pediatric bone marrow transplant patients will move to 7 Werner.
- University Tower, level seven has eight ICU capable rooms. All 24 rooms will be used as inpatient treatment for COVID-19 patients and/or to rule out for COVID-19 patients that require inpatient care.
- If additional capacity is needed for coronavirus/suspected coronavirus patients, overflow rooms will be made available on University Tower, level six north.
“Thank you to everyone who is involved in this effort,” says Julie Lazure, vice president, operations. “It’s truly an example of our ITEACH Values when individuals and departments come together as one team to find innovative solutions that allow us to serve our patients and our community.”