Pennsylvania is opening four long-term care regional support sites to help relieve pressure on healthcare workers and hospitals amid an influx of COVID-19 patients, state officials said Jan. 31.
The sites are scheduled to open within the next two weeks at the following nursing homes:
- Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
- Lutheran Home in Hollidaysburg, Blair County
- Springs at the Watermark in Philadelphia
- Clarview Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Sligo, Clarion County
Up to 30 beds will open at each facility to allow for quicker discharge of patients from hospitals, when clinically safe, freeing up additional hospital space, according to state officials.
"This will benefit all Pennsylvanians because it will free additional acute care space," Pennsylvania acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter said Jan. 31 at a news conference, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. "When hospitals are full largely due to COVID-19, it could mean care is delayed for people who really need it."
General Healthcare Resources, a staffing agency, and the Pennsylvania National Guard will provide staff to open the additional beds. The sites are expected to operate about 90 days, based on demand.