As Newman Regional Health continues planning for a spike in coronavirus cases, federal stimulus money has been announced to help blunt the financial impact of lower appointment numbers and fewer elective procedures.
On Tuesday’s KVOE-Newman Regional Health COVID-19 Community Briefing, hospital CEO Bob Wright said Monday night’s announcement of cash flow assistance to Critical Access hospitals like Newman Regional was good news for the facility.
The hospital has been in the planning mode for weeks and now has its so-called surge plan in place if needed. Wright says three isolation rooms are currently available for patients. That number can climb to eight if needed as the old intensive care unit on third floor can be repurposed.
Wright also announced the latest patient stats as of Tuesday morning. The hospital had processed nine positive tests and admitted four of the patients, with two being discharged and two transferred to Topeka for additional treatment.
The KVOE-Newman Regional Health COVID-19 Community Briefings take place Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:05 am on KVOE and KVOE-TV at KVOE.com. Programs are also available afterward in the KVOE.com Audio Vault and www.newmanrh.org.
