Freeman unveils new transitional unit for COVID patients

As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the area, Freeman Health System has created a new transitional unit for COVID-19 patients.

The COVID-19 Stepdown (CSD) Unit will be used for patients as they transition out of the intensive care unit (ICU), also known as the C-Zone.

Freeman says that these patients still require specialized equipment and a high level of oxygen, and have greater care needs than those in the medical covid unit.

Dr. Robert McNab, Freeman Director of COVID19 Services, says they are seeing an uptick of daily patients.

“A couple of months back we had had it in the 10-15 patient range per day. We are now seeing consistently up into the 40s and 50s again [per day], which is pretty similar to our high water marks over the winter.”

McNab says the CSD Unit is located in a separate area of the hospital and rooms have been adapted for isolation. “This unit sits in a middle position. It’s patients that are still very severely sick but they are not at the ICU ventilator level. The reason why that is necessary now is because we need to conserve more space.”

Currently, Freeman is seeing an increase in COVID19 patients with a higher acuity level, part due to the more infectious delta variant. McNab says that these patients can have significant, unpredictable needs and challenging medical conditions.

McNab, again, is asking that you seriously consider getting the vaccine.

“I think it’s a real validation that 85-90% of the patients that are here in the hospital today are not vaccinated. There is a reason why they all share that in common. The vaccinated population is much safer and they are avoiding these illnesses.”

Freeman says it is important to get tested if you have symptoms of COVID19. Self-scheduling for both COVID19 vaccinations and testing are available at freemanhealth.com/service/covid-19.