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Closed Hospitals Leave Rural Patients ‘Stranded’ as Coronavirus Spreads Closed Hospitals Leave Rural Patients ‘Stranded’ as Coronavirus Spreads
(about 1 month later)
Michael Nuzum had spent weeks fighting coronavirus-like symptoms — a wracking cough, terrible chills, an exhausting fever — before collapsing at his home in rural West Virginia.Michael Nuzum had spent weeks fighting coronavirus-like symptoms — a wracking cough, terrible chills, an exhausting fever — before collapsing at his home in rural West Virginia.
Mr. Nuzum, a 54-year-old animal control worker, was already in cardiac arrest when the emergency workers arrived on April 3. That left them with a difficult decision: Should they transport their patient to the nearest hospital, 30 minutes away?Mr. Nuzum, a 54-year-old animal control worker, was already in cardiac arrest when the emergency workers arrived on April 3. That left them with a difficult decision: Should they transport their patient to the nearest hospital, 30 minutes away?
“There’s only so much one paramedic can do in the back of an ambulance,” said Michael Angelucci, who leads the Marion County rescue squad that cared for Mr. Nuzum. The two-person team that responded decided it couldn’t risk the long ride and instead tried to revive the patient at the scene. But the workers couldn’t save him.“There’s only so much one paramedic can do in the back of an ambulance,” said Michael Angelucci, who leads the Marion County rescue squad that cared for Mr. Nuzum. The two-person team that responded decided it couldn’t risk the long ride and instead tried to revive the patient at the scene. But the workers couldn’t save him.
Two weeks earlier, the options would have been different. Fairmont Regional Medical Center, just five minutes from Mr. Nuzum’s home, would still have been open. Mr. Angelucci, who is also a state representative, can’t help wondering if the hospital and its emergency room could have given the man a fighting chance.Two weeks earlier, the options would have been different. Fairmont Regional Medical Center, just five minutes from Mr. Nuzum’s home, would still have been open. Mr. Angelucci, who is also a state representative, can’t help wondering if the hospital and its emergency room could have given the man a fighting chance.
“It’s incredibly frustrating that this entire community is stranded without a hospital,” he said.“It’s incredibly frustrating that this entire community is stranded without a hospital,” he said.
Fairmont was one of three hospitals that have shut down in this corner of rural West Virginia and Ohio since September. They delivered hundreds of babies each year, treated car crash and gunshot victims, repaired hearts and knees and offered addiction treatment and psychiatric care.Fairmont was one of three hospitals that have shut down in this corner of rural West Virginia and Ohio since September. They delivered hundreds of babies each year, treated car crash and gunshot victims, repaired hearts and knees and offered addiction treatment and psychiatric care.
They had been acquired by a for-profit company, Alecto Healthcare Services, beginning in 2014. Employees expected the new ownership to put the institutions on solid footing after years of financial struggle. Instead, decisions made by Alecto wound up undercutting patient care and undermining the hospitals’ finances, according to more than two dozen interviews with doctors, nurses, other staff members, government officials and patients, as well as a review of court records.They had been acquired by a for-profit company, Alecto Healthcare Services, beginning in 2014. Employees expected the new ownership to put the institutions on solid footing after years of financial struggle. Instead, decisions made by Alecto wound up undercutting patient care and undermining the hospitals’ finances, according to more than two dozen interviews with doctors, nurses, other staff members, government officials and patients, as well as a review of court records.
Doctors were pushed out to save on salaries; many patients followed them elsewhere. Medical supplies ran short. Vendors went unpaid. Finally, one after another, the three hospitals ceased operating. At the request of the governor, the West Virginia attorney general’s office is investigating the company’s decision to close them.Doctors were pushed out to save on salaries; many patients followed them elsewhere. Medical supplies ran short. Vendors went unpaid. Finally, one after another, the three hospitals ceased operating. At the request of the governor, the West Virginia attorney general’s office is investigating the company’s decision to close them.
The shutdowns — besides Fairmont, Alecto owned Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, W.Va., and East Ohio Regional Hospital in neighboring Martins Ferry, Ohio — have forced the region to fight a coronavirus outbreak with 530 fewer licensed hospital beds than it had a year ago.The shutdowns — besides Fairmont, Alecto owned Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, W.Va., and East Ohio Regional Hospital in neighboring Martins Ferry, Ohio — have forced the region to fight a coronavirus outbreak with 530 fewer licensed hospital beds than it had a year ago.
The counties they serve have already recorded 171 coronavirus cases and nine deaths. Hundreds of people whose lungs were scarred by decades in coal mines are vulnerable to a devastating respiratory syndrome caused by the virus, doctors said.The counties they serve have already recorded 171 coronavirus cases and nine deaths. Hundreds of people whose lungs were scarred by decades in coal mines are vulnerable to a devastating respiratory syndrome caused by the virus, doctors said.
“We’ve now got a hospital that existed for over 100 years that, in the middle of a pandemic, sits empty,” said Jonathan Board, chairman of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, referring to Fairmont.“We’ve now got a hospital that existed for over 100 years that, in the middle of a pandemic, sits empty,” said Jonathan Board, chairman of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, referring to Fairmont.
Dr. John Wolen, the former trauma chief at Ohio Valley, now works at Wheeling Hospital and is bracing for an influx of patients. “The extra capacity that we will absolutely need is not going to be there,” he said.Dr. John Wolen, the former trauma chief at Ohio Valley, now works at Wheeling Hospital and is bracing for an influx of patients. “The extra capacity that we will absolutely need is not going to be there,” he said.
Across the United States, hospitals serving rural areas have spent decades trying to provide medical care and produce enough revenue to stay open. They have closed in increasing numbers in recent years as local populations have declined. About 170 rural hospitals have shut down since 2005.Across the United States, hospitals serving rural areas have spent decades trying to provide medical care and produce enough revenue to stay open. They have closed in increasing numbers in recent years as local populations have declined. About 170 rural hospitals have shut down since 2005.
Some nonprofit or community-owned hospitals, like the three Alecto had bought in West Virginia and Ohio, turn to for-profit hospital chains as a lifeline, hoping that a focus on generating revenue could help them survive.Some nonprofit or community-owned hospitals, like the three Alecto had bought in West Virginia and Ohio, turn to for-profit hospital chains as a lifeline, hoping that a focus on generating revenue could help them survive.
But for-profit hospitals are more likely to close than the others, one recent federal study showed. It found that for-profit facilities accounted for 11 percent of rural hospitals but 36 percent of closures among the group. Within the past year, rural hospitals have closed in Pennsylvania and Tennessee after selling to for-profit chains.But for-profit hospitals are more likely to close than the others, one recent federal study showed. It found that for-profit facilities accounted for 11 percent of rural hospitals but 36 percent of closures among the group. Within the past year, rural hospitals have closed in Pennsylvania and Tennessee after selling to for-profit chains.
“There is something very concerning to me about having more for-profit companies in rural health care,” said Jill Horwitz, vice dean at the University of California, Los Angeles, law school. “The more rural a hospital, the more people depend on it for lifesaving care.”“There is something very concerning to me about having more for-profit companies in rural health care,” said Jill Horwitz, vice dean at the University of California, Los Angeles, law school. “The more rural a hospital, the more people depend on it for lifesaving care.”
Ms. Horwitz’s research found that for-profit rural hospitals were less likely to offer needed but unprofitable medical services, such as hospice and inpatient psychiatric care.Ms. Horwitz’s research found that for-profit rural hospitals were less likely to offer needed but unprofitable medical services, such as hospice and inpatient psychiatric care.
“The goal of the for-profit is to make money,” Ms. Horwitz said. “That doesn’t mean they’ll do anything to make a buck, but they have a different goal from nonprofits.”“The goal of the for-profit is to make money,” Ms. Horwitz said. “That doesn’t mean they’ll do anything to make a buck, but they have a different goal from nonprofits.”
Michael Sarrao, Alecto’s general counsel, said the company had done everything it could to turn the three hospitals around but ultimately found the financial challenges insurmountable. Slow reimbursements by health insurers and cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates were factors, he said.Michael Sarrao, Alecto’s general counsel, said the company had done everything it could to turn the three hospitals around but ultimately found the financial challenges insurmountable. Slow reimbursements by health insurers and cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates were factors, he said.
He contended that the institutions would have closed years ago had Alecto not purchased them, and that the company lost tens of millions of dollars investing in the facilities.He contended that the institutions would have closed years ago had Alecto not purchased them, and that the company lost tens of millions of dollars investing in the facilities.
“Alecto has and continues to be focused on saving distressed community hospitals so that they can continue to provide care to the patients who need their care the most and has done its best to achieve this goal,” Mr. Sarrao said in a statement.“Alecto has and continues to be focused on saving distressed community hospitals so that they can continue to provide care to the patients who need their care the most and has done its best to achieve this goal,” Mr. Sarrao said in a statement.
Alecto’s chief executive, Lex Reddy, worked for more than a decade at a larger hospital chain, Prime Healthcare. He stepped down as Prime’s chief executive in 2012, during a federal investigation that would result in a $65 million fine by the Justice Department to settle allegations that the company had falsely submitted Medicare claims. The settlement did not make a determination of wrongdoing.Alecto’s chief executive, Lex Reddy, worked for more than a decade at a larger hospital chain, Prime Healthcare. He stepped down as Prime’s chief executive in 2012, during a federal investigation that would result in a $65 million fine by the Justice Department to settle allegations that the company had falsely submitted Medicare claims. The settlement did not make a determination of wrongdoing.
Mr. Reddy, who was not implicated in the scandal and declined through a spokesman to be interviewed for this article, helped found Alecto the same year he left Prime.Mr. Reddy, who was not implicated in the scandal and declined through a spokesman to be interviewed for this article, helped found Alecto the same year he left Prime.
Alecto purchased Fairmont Regional Medical Center while it was in bankruptcy in 2014, and bought the larger Ohio Valley Medical Center and East Ohio Regional Hospital in 2017. The acquisitions expanded Alecto’s reach across the country, from the four hospitals it already owned or managed in California and Texas.Alecto purchased Fairmont Regional Medical Center while it was in bankruptcy in 2014, and bought the larger Ohio Valley Medical Center and East Ohio Regional Hospital in 2017. The acquisitions expanded Alecto’s reach across the country, from the four hospitals it already owned or managed in California and Texas.
Alecto’s hospitals generally serve low-income communities, with most patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid. In Marion County, for example, the population once served by Fairmont has higher-than-average smoking and obesity rates. The state also had the country’s highest rate of drug overdose deaths in 2018.Alecto’s hospitals generally serve low-income communities, with most patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid. In Marion County, for example, the population once served by Fairmont has higher-than-average smoking and obesity rates. The state also had the country’s highest rate of drug overdose deaths in 2018.
Staff members recalled initially feeling optimistic about the new owners.Staff members recalled initially feeling optimistic about the new owners.
“We were in very bad straits,” said Martha Connors, who was a mental health technician at Ohio Valley for 13 years. “We fought to have Alecto buy us because no one else wanted to.”“We were in very bad straits,” said Martha Connors, who was a mental health technician at Ohio Valley for 13 years. “We fought to have Alecto buy us because no one else wanted to.”
That hope quickly evaporated as the quality of care at the hospitals began to decline, employees recalled. At Fairmont, with 207 licensed beds, and Ohio Valley hospital, with 200, employees said Alecto let staff physicians go, a decision they described as shortsighted. While Alecto may have saved on salaries, the hospitals lost many elective surgeries — a critical revenue generator.That hope quickly evaporated as the quality of care at the hospitals began to decline, employees recalled. At Fairmont, with 207 licensed beds, and Ohio Valley hospital, with 200, employees said Alecto let staff physicians go, a decision they described as shortsighted. While Alecto may have saved on salaries, the hospitals lost many elective surgeries — a critical revenue generator.
“We went from having about 40 doctors on staff at the hospital to about a dozen in the course of six months,” said Dr. Waid McMillion, who ran Fairmont’s emergency department until it closed. The hospital replaced only a portion of them with contract physicians, who did not bring in nearly as many patients or surgeries.“We went from having about 40 doctors on staff at the hospital to about a dozen in the course of six months,” said Dr. Waid McMillion, who ran Fairmont’s emergency department until it closed. The hospital replaced only a portion of them with contract physicians, who did not bring in nearly as many patients or surgeries.
Two surgeons at Ohio Valley recalled arriving each morning in 2018 to find the surgical scheduling board almost blank. Dr. Joseph Petersen, a surgeon there, said patients had to be moved to other hospitals farther from their homes because there weren’t enough staff members to care for them. “It was very disruptive for patient care and for their families,” he said.Two surgeons at Ohio Valley recalled arriving each morning in 2018 to find the surgical scheduling board almost blank. Dr. Joseph Petersen, a surgeon there, said patients had to be moved to other hospitals farther from their homes because there weren’t enough staff members to care for them. “It was very disruptive for patient care and for their families,” he said.
Dr. Wolen, of Ohio Valley, said the hospital lost its status as a level-two trauma center — requiring it to transfer some seriously injured patients to other hospitals — in part because it no longer had a full-time plastic surgeon and a full-time neurosurgeon.Dr. Wolen, of Ohio Valley, said the hospital lost its status as a level-two trauma center — requiring it to transfer some seriously injured patients to other hospitals — in part because it no longer had a full-time plastic surgeon and a full-time neurosurgeon.
With fewer patients bringing in less revenue, staff members noticed regular supply shortages that affected care. Two employees at East Ohio recalled three days in 2018 when the intensive care unit had to bring some ventilator patients out of medically induced comas because it was running short of sedatives like fentanyl and hydromorphone.With fewer patients bringing in less revenue, staff members noticed regular supply shortages that affected care. Two employees at East Ohio recalled three days in 2018 when the intensive care unit had to bring some ventilator patients out of medically induced comas because it was running short of sedatives like fentanyl and hydromorphone.
When such patients wake up, they often try to pull out their breathing tubes, said Joyce Younkins, who worked as an I.C.U. nurse there. During that stretch, staff members had to put restraints on the distressed patients. “It’s not something you ever want to have to see,” she said.When such patients wake up, they often try to pull out their breathing tubes, said Joyce Younkins, who worked as an I.C.U. nurse there. During that stretch, staff members had to put restraints on the distressed patients. “It’s not something you ever want to have to see,” she said.
In her six years at the hospital before Alecto took over, Ms. Younkins and others said, nothing similar ever happened. “There was never a lack of supplies, never a lack of anything we needed,” she said. “Under Alecto, you had to worry about having enough IV bags, needles, syringes, salines, drugs, even toilet paper.”In her six years at the hospital before Alecto took over, Ms. Younkins and others said, nothing similar ever happened. “There was never a lack of supplies, never a lack of anything we needed,” she said. “Under Alecto, you had to worry about having enough IV bags, needles, syringes, salines, drugs, even toilet paper.”
Updated May 28, 2020
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
There is an uptick in people reporting symptoms of chilblains, which are painful red or purple lesions that typically appear in the winter on fingers or toes. The lesions are emerging as yet another symptom of infection with the new coronavirus. Chilblains are caused by inflammation in small blood vessels in reaction to cold or damp conditions, but they are usually common in the coldest winter months. Federal health officials do not include toe lesions in the list of coronavirus symptoms, but some dermatologists are pushing for a change, saying so-called Covid toe should be sufficient grounds for testing.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
One health care technician recalled buying toothpaste and feminine hygiene supplies for patients when the hospital ran out. Another said he purchased a roll of ultrasound film off eBay for $63.One health care technician recalled buying toothpaste and feminine hygiene supplies for patients when the hospital ran out. Another said he purchased a roll of ultrasound film off eBay for $63.
“Everybody wants a picture of their baby when they come for an ultrasound,” said Paul Porter, the ultrasound technician. “I hated having to tell them I can’t give you a picture today.”“Everybody wants a picture of their baby when they come for an ultrasound,” said Paul Porter, the ultrasound technician. “I hated having to tell them I can’t give you a picture today.”
Alecto also at times fell behind on payments for employees’ health insurance, so their coverage lapsed, according to multiple former staff members.Alecto also at times fell behind on payments for employees’ health insurance, so their coverage lapsed, according to multiple former staff members.
And Jeremy Wendel, who worked as a registrar in the Ohio Valley and East Ohio emergency rooms, said that Alecto was deducting his $550 child support payment from his paycheck but not passing the money on to the state. It took two months to resolve the situation, he said. “It felt like they were stealing from me,” he recalled. “I was paying this money, but they weren’t sending it to my ex, so where was it going?”And Jeremy Wendel, who worked as a registrar in the Ohio Valley and East Ohio emergency rooms, said that Alecto was deducting his $550 child support payment from his paycheck but not passing the money on to the state. It took two months to resolve the situation, he said. “It felt like they were stealing from me,” he recalled. “I was paying this money, but they weren’t sending it to my ex, so where was it going?”
Mr. Sarrao of Alecto conceded that while there “may have been some administrative issues at O.V.M.C. that caused some delays in payment, these issues have been resolved and payments reached their correct destination.”Mr. Sarrao of Alecto conceded that while there “may have been some administrative issues at O.V.M.C. that caused some delays in payment, these issues have been resolved and payments reached their correct destination.”
Lawsuits against Alecto seeking unpaid bills piled up. Xerox filed a case in August 2019, claiming the company owed more than $500,000. The lawsuit is pending. PatientMatters, a medical debt collection firm, sued weeks later, similarly claiming a large debt. That case was later resolved.Lawsuits against Alecto seeking unpaid bills piled up. Xerox filed a case in August 2019, claiming the company owed more than $500,000. The lawsuit is pending. PatientMatters, a medical debt collection firm, sued weeks later, similarly claiming a large debt. That case was later resolved.
Hospital workers traded whispers, wondering if their employers would soon close shop and worrying what would happen to their patients.Hospital workers traded whispers, wondering if their employers would soon close shop and worrying what would happen to their patients.
Last September, Alecto closed the Ohio Valley hospital. It happened so suddenly that one longtime employee learned he no longer had a job while checking Facebook. Three weeks later, East Ohio closed.Last September, Alecto closed the Ohio Valley hospital. It happened so suddenly that one longtime employee learned he no longer had a job while checking Facebook. Three weeks later, East Ohio closed.
At Fairmont, many feared they would be next. Alecto shut the doors on March 19, despite local leaders’ pleas that the hospital should stay open to weather the pandemic.At Fairmont, many feared they would be next. Alecto shut the doors on March 19, despite local leaders’ pleas that the hospital should stay open to weather the pandemic.
The closures have left 1,800 people seeking work in a struggling economy and local governments fighting to recoup Alecto’s unpaid taxes.The closures have left 1,800 people seeking work in a struggling economy and local governments fighting to recoup Alecto’s unpaid taxes.
Wheeling is currently trying to collect $821,000 its mayor says Alecto owes the city, including $425,000 in parking fees and $140,000 in water and sewer fees. Martins Ferry is trying to recoup more than $200,000 in local income taxes, according to the city auditor. S.E.I.U. District 1199, the union representing Fairmont workers, is still pursuing retirement fund contributions that were never paid.Wheeling is currently trying to collect $821,000 its mayor says Alecto owes the city, including $425,000 in parking fees and $140,000 in water and sewer fees. Martins Ferry is trying to recoup more than $200,000 in local income taxes, according to the city auditor. S.E.I.U. District 1199, the union representing Fairmont workers, is still pursuing retirement fund contributions that were never paid.
With the hospitals closed, some former patients have struggled to find new providers.With the hospitals closed, some former patients have struggled to find new providers.
Joyce Faber, 60, who is confined to a wheelchair, hasn’t been able to see a gynecologist since last year. A survivor of breast cancer, she takes drugs that put her at a higher risk of ovarian cancer. She used to have regular gynecology appointments at Ohio Valley, which had a special table that allowed Ms. Faber, who is paralyzed, to be examined. She has been unable to find a nearby hospital with similar equipment.Joyce Faber, 60, who is confined to a wheelchair, hasn’t been able to see a gynecologist since last year. A survivor of breast cancer, she takes drugs that put her at a higher risk of ovarian cancer. She used to have regular gynecology appointments at Ohio Valley, which had a special table that allowed Ms. Faber, who is paralyzed, to be examined. She has been unable to find a nearby hospital with similar equipment.
Heidi Porter recently had to bring her elderly mother, who has bipolar disorder and experiences hallucinations, into Wheeling Hospital. With no psychiatric beds available there — Ohio Valley had operated the county’s only unit — she was transferred to a facility two hours away in Columbus, Ohio.Heidi Porter recently had to bring her elderly mother, who has bipolar disorder and experiences hallucinations, into Wheeling Hospital. With no psychiatric beds available there — Ohio Valley had operated the county’s only unit — she was transferred to a facility two hours away in Columbus, Ohio.
West Virginia University’s health system, about 12 miles from Fairmont, plans to reopen part of the Fairmont hospital but will not be able to do so until late May.West Virginia University’s health system, about 12 miles from Fairmont, plans to reopen part of the Fairmont hospital but will not be able to do so until late May.
For now, the three communities face a stretch of months where hospital beds could be scarce in the midst of a global pandemic. Jennifer Henderson Hayes, who was the chief pharmacist at East Ohio, now works at the remaining hospital in Wheeling.For now, the three communities face a stretch of months where hospital beds could be scarce in the midst of a global pandemic. Jennifer Henderson Hayes, who was the chief pharmacist at East Ohio, now works at the remaining hospital in Wheeling.
She has already seen greater strain on the emergency room there. “You see people, potentially sick with Covid-19, waiting for eight or 12 hours just to be seen.”She has already seen greater strain on the emergency room there. “You see people, potentially sick with Covid-19, waiting for eight or 12 hours just to be seen.”