Mount Nittany Medical Center Reports 53 COVID Patients Hospitalized
STATE COLLEGE, PA – The Mount Nittany Medical Center presently is housing 53 patients with COVID-19, according to a Tuesday release from Mount Nittany Health’s chief medical officer, Dr. Nirmal Joshi. As a result of the increase in cases in the community and the hospital, Mount Nittany is cutting back on the number of elective surgeries through Jan. 11, the next phase in its pandemic response plan.
On Nov. 29, Mount Nittany had 49 COVID-19 patients; the 53 reported on Tuesday represents a new high as coronavirus cases continue their surge across the state and the country. By month, Mount Nittany had 16 patients in September, 59 in October and 143 in November. The number of hospitalizations so far in December is around 100.
The Tuesday announcement from Mount Nittany and its chief medical officer:
Mount Nittany Health moves to next phase of its pandemic response plan
With the continuing high numbers of COVID cases in the community and in the hospital, Mount Nittany Health announced today that it is moving forward with additional surge planning measures as part of its pandemic response plan.
With the recent rise in COVID hospitalizations, health system clinical leaders have been managing the number of elective surgeries that require overnight stays on a day-to-day basis. Given the sustained high volume of hospitalizations, approximately half of these surgeries and some other procedures will be rescheduled through January 11, 2021. Daily monitoring will continue, with any further reductions made as needed. Depending on future trends, other services may also be adjusted as the health system balances care for COVID hospitalized patients and those needing other care.
“Health systems around the region and around the country are challenged by the increasing number of COVID-positive admissions,” said Nirmal Joshi, MD, chief medical officer, Mount Nittany Health. “This surge is affecting everyone’s ability – including ours – to provide care to their communities. Until vaccines are widely available to the community, which will take some time, we urge the public to abide by advice they’ve been hearing about mitigation: wear masks, wash their hands, avoid gatherings, social distance and stay at home as much as possible.”
“We also want to recognize our outstanding staff that is showing tremendous commitment and flexibility under very challenging circumstances. We are doing everything possible to manage our operations in a way that serves the community and provides as much support as possible for our frontline workers.”
There are currently 53 COVID positive in patients at Mount Nittany Medical Center, ages 19 to 95.
