AHS Vice-President and Medical Director for Northern Alberta, Dr. Mark Joffe during Thursday's COVID-19 update (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By Shaun Penner

COVID-19

AHS official projecting need of 2,250 beds for COVID-19 patients in Alberta

Mar 26, 2020 | 5:07 PM

The Province of Alberta is expecting to need approximately 2,250 hospital beds specifically for COVID-19 patients, according to AHS’ Vice-President and Medical Director for Northern Alberta, Dr. Mark Joffe.

Speaking during Thursday’s COVID-19 update, Dr. Joffe said Alberta Health Services has been and is still working to plan for the expected need for space during this pandemic across the province.

“Alberta Health Services staff and physicians have been working feverishly for a number of weeks now to plan for the space that we’re going to need.”

Dr. Joffe says the province has about 8,500 beds to work with. A majority of the 2,250 needed beds will be made up from that existing supply, as the province has cancelled or postponed all elective and non-urgent surgeries.

“At the same time, we know we need to find additional beds, and our teams are doing exactly that,” said Joffe. “Looking for care spaces in hospital wards that may have been closed, or haven’t been in use. Looking for spaces where it can be done safely.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Dr. Joffe also suggested that they could add a third bed to a two-bed room, where proper social distancing can be maintained, should the space be required.

He also suggested the use of hotels or community centres, but not for those patients who need acute care. Those arrangements would be made for individuals who couldn’t necessarily return home and don’t need a hospital bed, but don’t want to bring the virus back to their community.

“The entire community will be a part of this response.”