Mercy Medical Center Adding Unit To Ease Coronavirus Bed Shortage

BALTIMORE, MD — Mercy Medical Center is adding a 32-bed acute care section to its facility, according to authorities. The Maryland Health Care Commission granted emergency approval for the hospital to build a new unit as more people across the state test positive for the new coronavirus.

Currently, the hospital is licensed to have 183 beds and has enough space to accommodate 251 beds.

The new unit will allow for 32 more beds at a cost of an estimated $12.5 million.

"This project is a major investment during a time of great uncertainty, but it’s the right thing to do and will be essential to address the potential surge in patients in need of hospitalization in the future as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic," President/CEO of Mercy Health Services Thomas R. Mullen said in a statement. "Mercy is committed to doing everything we can to serve our community and create additional capacity to provide critical health services during this crisis."

Officials said they pursued the expansion after Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday declared the state would need 6,000 more beds to accommodate people ill from the new coronavirus.

Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. will construct the new area, starting immediately, and estimates it will be completed in 75 days.

"Mercy and Whiting-Turner teams are immediately mobilizing together to begin construction," President/CEO of Whiting-Turner Contracting Timothy J. Regan said in a statement. "As a Maryland company, we understand the crucial need to expand acute care hospital capacity during this emergency for the people of Maryland."

Located off St. Paul Street, the hospital opened in 2010 and was expanded and upgraded in 2016 to meet the demand for operating rooms, and opened a childbirth center in 2012.

"Mercy’s mission is to provide excellent health services within a community of compassionate care," said David N. Maine, M.D., executive vice president of Mercy Health Services. "And we are fully committed to carrying out that mission for the people of Baltimore during this crisis."