KENT, SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the First State, Bayhealth Hospital has set up tents outside of the emergency department for a possible overflow of COVID-19 patients.
The tents were created for positive and suspected coronavirus patients.
As an extension of the emergency department, Bayhealth says the ED tents have heating, A/C, electricity, and IT access. Patient stations, desks, waiting areas, and portable bathrooms are also available.
Bayhealth Hospital
Bayhealth Medical Director of Emergency Services, Kelly Abbrescia, DO, says the Kent County campus had carried out plans three weeks ago to divide the emergency department.
As of now, Bayhealth has separate rooms in the emergency department for patients with COVID-19 symptoms and others with different medical issues.
Dr. Abbrescia says, "we are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst."
According to the hospital, there are pods in the ED for COVID-19 patients who need more intensive care, and a seven-bed area in a converted waiting room for those considered lower risk. Then, if those beds fill up, the 26 stations in the tent will be used.
