WEST ALLIS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The state has opened it’s alternative care facility at the State Fair Park in West Allis.
Gov. Evers announced last week the facility would start preparing to operate.
Department of Health Services deputy secretary, Julie Williems Van Dijk, said, “it has been our hope we would never need to use the alternative care facility, but in a crisis like a pandemic, we must prepare for the worst.”
The field hospital was ready to take up to 50 patients, and can accommodate 530. However, no one was transported day one.
CEO of the State Fair Park Facility, Deb Standridge, tells FOX 11 that’s because hospital’s capacity numbers change by the hour.
“They are looking at their COVID-19 population, what patients are ready to go and be transferred and cared for at the alternative care facility. Looking at almost every hour what their bed capacity is.”
While no hospitals sent patients to the field hospital on Wednesday, they are prepared to use it as a resource if it comes to that point.
Bellin Health’s Chief of Operating Officer Sharla Baenen tells FOX 11 they’ve come close.
“It got close to the point last week where we old have been having those conversations whether or not we need the alternative care facility.”
After a change in capacity numbers, and using alternative care facilities of their own, they can manage… for now.
“We’re doing what we can to keep patients here in the community,” said Baenen, “but we’re realistic in the potential and realize we have to take care of everyone and sometimes make those difficult decisions.”
Area healthcare systems are in similar positions.
Prevea said in a statement that they are, “grateful for Governor Tony Evers in activating the field hospital should our health care system or any others across the state need it.”
Aurora Health Care said it is, “an option for the future if needed.”
The facility will only be treating patients ages 18 to 70 who are COVID-19 positive.
They would likely be in the last few days of their hospitalization at their local hospital.
