West Virginia National Guard To Leave Hospitals March 11
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WHEELING -- At the height of the most recent surge of COVID-19, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital had 52 patients admitted in late January, said spokeswoman Gretchen Kessler.
Now as the pandemic appears to be winding down locally, fewer people are being admitted for COVID care. Kessler said Thursday the hospital had 16 people admitted and being treated because of the virus.
"We're seeing a decrease, which is wonderful news," she said Thursday. "Jan. 28 and 21 were our highest numbers. It's gone down slowly and steadily since then. We hope to see that trend continue. ... We're starting to see some light."
Still, Kessler said the hospital remains "cautiously optimistic."
"We continue to urge and strongly recommend COVID prevention measures," Kessler said, noting people still need to get vaccinations, boosters, wash their hands frequently and wear a mask when necessary to prevent spread.
"We don't want people to get a false sense of security and stop doing those things," she added.
To help health care facilities cope with the surge and staffing shortage issues, Gov. Jim Justice ordered the West Virginia National Guard to assist across the state in non-clinical jobs in January.
Wheeling Hospital and WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital received 10 and seven guard members, respectively.
As the case numbers have decreased across the state, those guard members are slated to leave March 11, Kessler said. She noted the guard members were sent during a "desperate" time for the hospital.
"They were a very welcome addition. They did a fantastic job. We're very grateful for the support and assistance," Kessler said of the West Virginia National Guard. "We're very thankful for the state of West Virginia and Gov. Justice helping in that way.
"The hospital is at a good place for the National Guard's assistance to come to a close," she continued. "We are incredibly grateful for their help during the COVID surge earlier this year, which contributed to critical staffing shortages here and at hospitals throughout the state."
Guard members helped with patient transports within the building, COVID screenings and in the laundry and dietary departments.
"It seemed so monumental, seeing them there," she said of when they first arrived. "It really brought home the situation."