Intermountain Healthcare Takes Additional Steps to Prepare for Potential COVID-19 Patient Surge

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Intermountain Healthcare has been planning and preparing for a potential increase in the number of COVID-19 patients over the coming weeks and months.

So far, Intermountain has been able to meet the needs of all its patients, and surge steps have not been necessary at any hospitals. However, if hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients continue to rise, Intermountain is ready to implement the steps in its surge plan to provide care patients need.

Intermountain joins with other health systems and local and state officials in urging our communities to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes physical distancing, wearing masks in public, avoiding large gatherings, and washing hands frequently. 

Here are some of the key elements of Intermountain’s surge plan that can be implemented if needed:

• Ability to add more beds.  Intermountain has identified ways to add more intensive care beds and more medical/surgical beds in its hospitals. 
• Continued separation of patients.  All hospitals will continue to safely care for all patient needs by keeping beds for non-COVID-19 patients in separate areas or by directing patients to another facility for care.
• Inpatient pediatric care.  If necessary, inpatient pediatric care can be moved to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. Pediatric units at Riverton Hospital, McKay-Dee Hospital, and Utah Valley Hospital are prepared to redirect pediatric patients to Primary Children’s. Pediatric units in these hospitals can be temporarily converted to provide adult patient care. Primary Children’s is also prepared to accept admissions or transfers of patients up to age 30.
• Clinics.  Intermountain clinics will continue to provide urgent care and necessary primary care services. 

“To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re dedicating Intermountain’s resources to supporting our communities in every way we can,” said Rob Allen, Intermountain Healthcare chief operating officer and senior vice president. “Our remarkable caregivers are courageously rising to the challenge. We’re united with other health systems, local and state government, and our communities to coordinate services and share resources so patients can continue to get the vital care they need.”