New Mobile Hospital Opens In Montco To Handle Coronavirus Surge

EAST NORRITON, PA — The county is opening a new surge response unit at Suburban Community Hospital to handle a potential surge in coronavirus cases.

The 40-bed mobile hospital, which arrived at Suburban on Friday, is the result of a partnership between Suburban, Montgomery County, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force.

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All hospitals in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, the two area counties hit hardest by the virus, still have beds available. But in Montgomery County at least, things are "tightening a bit," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said Friday.

"We are greatly relieved to have this surge capacity now in place," Arkoosh said. "We are heading into our surge period now in southeastern Pennsylvania. We are hopeful we won't need it, but it's very reassuring to know they are there should we need them."

>>Coronavirus: Here's How Many ICU Beds, Ventilators Montco Has

The hospital will be staffed by volunteer doctors and nurses and will be able to handle both coronavirus and non-coronavirus patients.

In Montgomery County, there are 278 ventilators and 213 ICU beds still available as of Friday afternoon, according to the state.

It will be directed by Montgomery County Department of Public Safety Director Thomas M. Sullivan.

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