Hunter
03/24/20
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics CEO Suresh Gunasekaran says that a “substantial number” of their 850 beds could be turned over to critical care patients.
In an interview with the Cedar Rapids Gazette, Gunasekaran says that staff at the hospital wants to see the guidelines for who can be tested for coronavirus expanded from just those who are showing symptoms, in order to get a better handle on how many cases there may be in the area. Current Centers for Disease Control recommendations are to just test those with a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
Gunasekaran added that the hospital has talked with the University of Iowa about possibly using the now-empty residence halls as a dorm for hospital doctors, nurses and staff if the need arises. There’s no plans to treat patients there, as Gunasekaran says that dorms don’t lend themselves well for hospital beds.
