Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

March 27, 2020

Bracing for surge, YNHH reaches out for supplies

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Yale New Haven Health leaders said Friday morning they are expecting the COVID-19 crisis to escalate, and they are approaching area businesses about helping with supplies.

CEO Marna Borgstrom said at an 11 a.m. press conference that the hospital system had 152 patients with the virus in beds within its facilities, and one-third of those are in intensive care. Out of roughly 4,700 tests performed, about 16 percent have come back with a positive result, she said. There are patients who are hospitalized who are still awaiting results too, she said.

“We have growing numbers, with our in-patients growing about 25 percent every day,” Borgstrom said. 

New York has seen the highest rate of infections in the country. Within the YNHH system, Greenwich Hospital, the closest to New York City, has had the most cases to date.

Vin Petrini, YNH’s senior vice president of public affairs, said there seems to be a wave of infections moving north from the New York City metro area. 

Three upper floors at the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven have been designated to treat coronavirus patients, with cancer patients relocated to different floors within the building, hospital officials said. The COVID-19 floors are “negative pressure” rooms, which means air from these rooms goes outside instead of being circulated into the hospital. 

Tom Balcezak, MD, chief clinical officer for Yale New Haven Health, called it important for the public to listen to the recommendations for social distancing.

“Our number of beds are finite, and we need to slow the spread of this disease,” Balcezak said.

Rick Martinello, MD, medical director of infection prevention, said that while the hospital system has supplies currently, there is a shortage across the whole country. Hospitals need personal-protection equipment and ventilators.

Balcezak added that YNHH’s current supply is adequate for the current level of patients. 

However, that could change quickly if the number of Connecticut cases continues to grow as predicted.

The hospital system has been receiving offers for supply donations, and has set up a special e-mail for people to inquire, at donationsppe@ynhh.org.

Hospital officials said they have been reaching out to businesses with manufacturing capabilities in the region who might be able to help make more supplies as the need grows.

When asked about treatments, Balcezak said YNHH is using medications approved for anti-viral use. The organization is also actively involved in COVID-19 clinical drug trials. 

Borgstrom thanked members of the business community for all they are doing to help in the crisis.

“We have had many local restaurants donating food and businesses helping connect us with supplies like ventilators and face masks,” Borgstrom said.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF