COVID Chronicle

Often called the cornerstone of preparedness, patient surge planning isn’t something that a hospital, or even a healthcare system, can effectively do alone. The Patient Surge Planning System Strategy Task Force relied on the predictive models put out by the IHME and others and regional partners to develop an effective strategy for a possible patient surge.

Phased Approach We decided on a phased approach, opening more care and adding beds as patient volumes increased. Because our case numbers were growing slowly, we had time to evaluate locations and determine solutions that would put less stress on our facilities, providers, and patients. A phased approach also meant less strain on our physical and financial resources as a state.

Staffing Along with cross training staff pooled from other areas in the hospital, the greater Bangor Region and Aroostook County looked at regional solutions for alternate care sites that could be staffed by clinical providers from multiple facilities and systems.

Phase 1: Full use of all beds

Phase 2: Full use of all beds, stretchers, and treatment areas

Phase 3: Full use of all possible bed locations on campuses

Phase 4: Addition of alternate care sites

BED COUNTS

Phase

Phase

Phase

Phase

COVID

NON COVID

TOTAL

23