SALISBURY, Md.- Salisbury University has opened up student housing in the city for patients battling COVID-19 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center that no longer need acute-care.
Announced Tuesday, patients recovering from the virus will now be moved into Dogwood Village as needed. The student housing united has been converted into a setting for healthcare workers. The patients there will comprise of those in the recovery period where they will stay for a period of up to 14 days. The space can house 100 patients.
PRMC this is a solution as bedding in the hospital continues to be an issues, like at many hospitals in the country and around the world.
Just like at inpatient at PRMC, no visitors are allowed. The coalition says the safety and privacy of the staff and patients remain a top priority.
PRMC's Vice President of Population Health, Dr. Kathryn Fiddler, said, "I am humbled to be surrounded by a community of big dreamers willing to say yes, and to take on the challenge of solving new and unique problems in our community nearly every week.”
PRMC and SU completed a deep cleaning, ensured all safety items were working, and then fine-tuned the rooms for patients. A common area was established as a staging space for staff work and where supplies could be stored.
“PRMC and SU have been tremendous partners in healthcare and education throughout the years,” said SU President Charles Wight. “We are proud to extend that partnership to help those in our area affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Salisbury University and PRMC say they hope to place some people in the housing units later this week.
Fiddler said, “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful university and innovative community partner, from leadership to facilities and security, all collaborating in ways we
could have never dreamed just two months ago.”
The agreement between the two community leaders will last until June. In July, each building will undergo a deep cleaning and sanitation in anticipation of the start of SU's fall semester.
