Area hospitals are preparing for a spike in COVID-19 cases. Along Grand Rapids “Medical Mile”, neighbors Spectrum Health and Grand Valley State University have been preparing for a public health crisis.
A plan 10 years in the making.
“The models are showing that the current capacity that we have within our hospitals will not be enough.”
Tina Freese Decker is president and CEO of Spectrum Health.
“And, when we’re at that capacity, even after using very innovative ways within the four walls of our hospitals throughout our region, we will need to expand to other sites.”
Grand Valley State University’s Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences allows additional capacity of up to 250 hospital beds. Grand Valley State University President Dr. Philomena Mantella describes a movement of assets and martialing talent.
“As hard as it is, I think it’s an opportunity for us to all step up and lead in the way that calls us to the present and the future at the same time.”
“This is a challenge unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer witnessed the influx of beds and equipment.
“This partnership is really something that’s unique but needs to be replicated and needs to become the rule, not the exception.”
All area hospitals are currently increasing the number of beds available including off-site locations.