By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
The head of one of Rhode Island’s largest hospital groups feels confident there will be enough capacity to handle a potential “surge” of coronavirus cases in the fall or winter.
“Right now, we’re feeling fairly confident we’ll be able to handle whatever happens this fall and winter,” said Dr. Timothy Babineau, President and Chief Executive officer of Lifespan.
“We came through the last crisis pretty well, we never really got close to exceeding our capacity on campus. We had the field hospital, which again, I support 100 percent for bringing that online and I support 100 percent keeping it online until we know what’s going to happen this fall and winter.”
The so-called field hospital was established at the Rhode Island Convention Center along with other sites in Cranston and North Kingstown. None have been used to date.
Babineau also said the hospital group’s supplies of personal protective equipment are good.
Lifespan operates Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Bradley Hospital and Newport Hospital.
He spoke at the announcement that mobile COVID-19 testing sites are being set up in conjunction with the Rhode Island Department of Health and Human Services at inner-city sites intended to reach individuals displaying signs of the coronavirus, and who have had trouble gaining access to rapid testing.
“The color of your skin should not dictate what you’re able to receive or not receive no matter where you life,” said Womazetta Jones, RI HHS Secretary during the announcement at the Bethel AME Church on Monday.
Lifespan is processing the COVID-19 tests at its own laboratory, promising rapid results within a day or two. Testing sites include:
· Monday, 8/17 (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.) for symptomatic individuals
Bethel AME Church – 30 Rochambeau Avenue, Providence
· Tuesday, 8/18 (1:00 p.m.– 3:30 p.m.) for symptomatic individuals
West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (a RIDOH-funded Health Equity Zone)
224 Dexter Street, Providence
· Saturday, 8/22 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) for symptomatic individuals
Bethel AME Church – 30 Rochambeau Avenue, Providence
· Thursday, 8/27 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) for symptomatic individuals
Higher Ground International – 250 Prairie Avenue, Providence
· Monday, 8/31 (3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.) for symptomatic individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
335 Prairie Avenue, Providence
According to Lifespan, asymptomatic individuals in search of COVID testing can find options on the RIDOH website (portal.ri.gov) or by calling the RIDOH at 401-222-8022.
