WRMC reports expanded testing, telehealth and facility upgrades as county COVID-19 cases continue

Washington Regional Medical Center reported service expansions and continued COVID-19 response efforts during the Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug. 6.

Lee Ann Sorto provided a WRMC update noting nearly winter-level patient volumes in July with roughly 1,200 patient visits system-wide and about 500 patients seen at the Plymouth Primary Care clinic. WRMC described completed exterior painting and parking work, ongoing inpatient room remodels to expand capacity and new therapy and trauma room upgrades. The hospital also is expanding telehealth capability and said it had added providers at the Plymouth Primary Care Rural Health Clinic.

MTW Health Department Director Wes Gray and Emergency Management Coordinator Lance Swindell outlined community testing plans. Gray reported local case counts and said MTW has conducted four mass testing events; he and WRMC said drive-thru testing would be available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at WRMC during August and September. Commissioners asked about testing cadence and capacity; the hospital and health department said the effort is intended to keep more care local and to identify cases through regular screening.

Commissioners thanked WRMC and MTW staff for their efforts. Chair D. Cole Phelps asked for another WRMC report in September so the board can track testing and service trends.