15 Kentucky National Guard members are assisting with operations at UK and Baptist Health Hospitals. Five are helping out at UK. They are not offering direct care. In addition to work at the medical supply site, Staff Sergeant Christopher Glen Watkins said the tasks include activities in the hospital. “Got some working in transport where they actually take patients from their room down to MRI, or ultrasound. Things of that nature. Some working in the kitchen staff. Some are working with the engineering department,” said Watkins.
UK Vice President for Hospital Operations Colleen Swartz said this second surge involves 144 coronavirus patients today, compared to seven in July. Swartz noted, “every cog in the wheel helps us deliver care. “We have to have the right supplies at the bedside or in the operating room or in the emergency room at the right time and so it’s critical for us to deliver care. So, these individuals who are here will really help us,” explained Swartz.
Chris Petter, with the UK Healthcare Supply Chain, said typically a half pallet of tubing that might be used by COVID patients is now running about five-to-seven pallets a week.
