Small hospitals working to stay ahead of coronavirus pandemic

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Small hospitals, like Monongahela Valley Hospital, are working to keep everyone safe amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“I think people are staying home and avoiding injuries and illness, but I think there is also concern that they’ll come to the ED and get an infection,” said Chief of Emergency Room Services Dr. Sundeep Ekbote.

He said employees are compulsively cleaning every surface and have taken extreme measures to protect staff and patients. They are also constantly checking in with fellow doctors and nurses around the country.

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“I have heard from people I haven’t talked to in 30 years reaching out to me to give me their support. It’s a good feeling to have a tight-knit community, everyone looking out for each other,” Dr. Ekbote said.

Staff at the Mon Valley Hospital are using the current situation as an opportunity to prepare as much as possible for what could come to their facility. They have 200 beds, 20 ventilators and several negative pressure rooms in the ICU.

Dr. Ekbote said he understands everyone’s fears right now, and wants people to know they are safe if they have a medical emergency.

“In many ways, the ED is one of the safest places you can be,” he said.

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