“We’re always planning ahead”: TidalHealth on hospital surge executive order

SALISBURY, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan’s new hospital surge capacity order, which went into effect at 5pm on Wednesday, November 11, aims to help hospitals handle a sudden influx of COVID-19 patients.

This order will provide state EMS officials with flexibility to shift patients to other care sites. It also requires hospitals to implement plans to stage and accept surge patients, and makes additional staff available to intervene if there’s an outbreak at a nursing home.

Tidal Health says patients aren’t experiencing as severe symptoms during this wave, but they are prepared to handle whatever comes their way.

“We’re ready for more if we need it, so we’re always planning ahead, and looking for another hundred patients to come in if we need to deal with that, we will,” says Chief Quality Officer, Dr. Chris Snyder.

Tidal health tell us that on average, 30 patients are hospitalized per day, and they are discharging about four or five a day.
Officials are reminding people to listen to advice from the CDC and to continue to avoid close contact to prevent further hospital visits.