BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A North Dakota hospital executive said Thursday he understands concerns about the amount of hospital beds available for COVID-19 patients, yet believes medical facilities around the state are ready to adapt to meet the challenge.
Sanford Health Bismarck President Michael LeBeau’s comments at a press briefing followed the North Dakota Department of Health’s daily update showing new highs for active cases of COVID-19, newly confirmed cases and coronavirus-related hospitalizations.
There were also six new deaths, including the youngest victim since the start of the pandemic, a teenage girl, LeBeau said.
“This is a significant challenge for health care,” LeBeau said. “For anybody not to say that (is) fooling themselves or at least trying to fool you.”
The health department released figures from Wednesday showing 218 available staffed inpatient beds, including 25 in intensive care. There are currently 125 people hospitalized due to COVID-19, an increase of nine from the previous day.
LeBeau said that although hospitals around the state are competitors, they are working together on additional space and there are no plans to build temporary facilities.
“You may wait longer in an emergency department,” LeBeau said. “You may have a hallway bed. You might be in a waiting area to be admitted into a hospital, or you may be transferred to another facility.”
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