KEYSER, W.Va. — As health officials in the Potomac Highlands are reporting an increase in coronavirus cases, facilities are studying innovative ways to provide patients with the best possible options for care.
Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital have opened virtual intensive care units, providing patients with opportunities to met with medical experts without having to leave the area.
“Unlike an EICU where the patient gets handed off to the surgical intensivist at another facility, our doctors are partnering with the intensivist at Ruby Memorial to become a single team to get everybody in partnership working together,” said Mark Boucot, the president and chief executive officer of both medical facilities.
Boucot said the partnership with WVU Medicine still allows people to visit community doctors while having access to additional resources.
West Virginia hospitals began receiving doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine this week. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will also consider the Moderna vaccine, which has a similar 94% efficiency rate.
Boucot noted Potomac Valley Hospital is a member of the West Virginia Hospital Association and will receive a small allocation of vaccines.
Health care workers are among the first people to receive coronavirus vaccines. Thomas Health System and Charleston Area Medical Center began administering vaccines to employees Monday and Tuesday respectively.