Meritus Medical Center is now operating under Crisis Standards of Care. This allows for the extension of vital resources and minimizes the impact of shortages on clinical care and the community. The hospital may require extensive support to deliver patient care safely and effectively in this contingency practice environment. Several other Maryland hospitals are operating under crisis standards of care. The concept of crisis standards of care was developed by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) at the request of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), following Hurricane Katrina, to provide a standard of care framework that would apply during disaster situations.
- The Incident Command Center continues to operate seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.
- As of Friday afternoon, additional patient care areas have been staged, including in the radiology area and in PACU, if needed.
- All surgeries and procedures will continue at this time but will be evaluated daily.
When a hospital implements crisis standard of care changes could include:
- Expediting hospital discharges when safe and appropriate
- Encourage the community to seek emergency department care when absolutely necessary
- Transitioning to telehealthcare options when applicable
- Simplifying documentation
- Redeploying clinical and non-clinical staff to areas of greatest need
- Modifying surgical schedules consistent with the Governor’s recent orders
This week, Meritus Health welcomed members of the National Guard to help support operations at the COVID-19 drive-thru testing center on Crayton Boulevard and in Meritus Medical Center. Meritus Health leaders and staff are appreciative of their support and hope it will reduce some burden on the teams.
Here are the latest numbers:
