Potomac Highlands health officials continue addressing coronavirus surge

KEYSER, W.Va. — As health officials in the Potomac Highlands are reporting an increase in coronavirus cases, facilities are studying innovative ways to provide patients with the best possible options for care.

Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital have opened virtual intensive care units, providing patients with opportunities to met with medical experts without having to leave the area.

“Unlike an EICU where the patient gets handed off to the surgical intensivist at another facility, our doctors are partnering with the intensivist at Ruby Memorial to become a single team to get everybody in partnership working together,” said Mark Boucot, the president and chief executive officer of both medical facilities.

Boucot said the partnership with WVU Medicine still allows people to visit community doctors while having access to additional resources.

West Virginia hospitals began receiving doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine this week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will also consider the Moderna vaccine, which has a similar 94% efficiency rate.

Boucot noted Potomac Valley Hospital is a member of the West Virginia Hospital Association and will receive a small allocation of vaccines.

Health care workers are among the first people to receive coronavirus vaccines. Thomas Health System and Charleston Area Medical Center began administering vaccines to employees Monday and Tuesday respectively.





More News

News
Governor signs bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security and receives praise
The phase-out would mean a 35% cut retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024; 65% in 2025 and 100% in 2026.
March 28, 2024 - 11:46 am
News
West Virginia Parkways Authority prepares for Easter travelers on the Turnpike
More than 500,000 transactions are projected at the West Virginia Turnpike through Monday.
March 28, 2024 - 11:30 am
News
Governor vetoes vaccination exemption bill, and now that debate is primed to get even bigger
House Bill 5105 would have removed vaccination requirements for students in virtual public schools, and it also would have allowed private and parochial schools to set their own standards.
March 28, 2024 - 11:14 am
News
Lottery reports $50,000 Powerball ticket sold in Charleston
Four numbers and Power Ball matched.
March 28, 2024 - 10:24 am