Crowne Plaza Hotel to become 'satellite health facility' as Hamilton COVID-19 cases climb
The facility will have up to 150 beds for patients who don't need in-hospital care
Hamilton's two hospital networks are transforming the former Crowne Plaza Hotel into a "satellite health facility" to treat some patients "in the event of a surge in COVID-19 cases."
The temporary, off-site space will be for patients who don't need to be in hospital for treatment and are getting care while preparing to transition to community settings, like long-term care homes.
The satellite facility will help Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton free up 10 per cent of its acute care capacity.
The hospital networks are using provincial funding to set up the new location.
Interprofessional clinical teams and primary care physicians will staff the space, according to a release from St. Joe's.
"The new Satellite Health Facility will allow us to support patients who are waiting for alternate care arrangements in the community, while reserving in-hospital space for those with the most urgent medical needs," Rob MacIsaac, HHS president and CEO, said in the release.
"Protecting acute care capacity in our hospitals is more important than ever as we contend with a global pandemic while at the same time entering the 2020-2021 infectious season."
Teams from both hospital networks are planning to open the facility at 150 King St. E. on the week of Oct. 19.
It will open with 60 beds, but has space for 150 beds if needed.