Citing a “high number of COVID-19 infections” and an impending flu season, Mercy Hospital Springfield has opened a mobile care unit dedicated to respiratory care.
The hospital said in a news release Wednesday it hopes to either directly treat patients in the facility and release them—or admit them to the hospital. The mobile unit is located outside the main hospital's emergency department and is equipped for 15 patient care areas.
The move coincides with a surge in cases and hospitalizations across Missouri. Rural and urban hospitals alike are beginning to voice concerns that their staff can handle many more critically ill patients. See KSMU's reporting on capacity of rural hospitals and how that affects the rest of the state here.
“This addition will go a long way toward distancing our patients from each other,” said Brent Hubbard, president of Mercy Hospitals Springfield Communities in the release. “We know some fear seeking emergency care because of the virus, and this is another step we can take to alleviate those risks and concerns.”
The unit has been up and running since Monday, according to the news release.
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