CoxHealth to Build “Hospital” within a Hospital for COVID-19 Patients

March 31, 2020, 10:20 am

In a little under 2 weeks’ time, a new hospital – within a hospital – will be constructed within Cox South. A floor of the medical center will be rebuilt into a ward-style area for patients suffering from COVID-19. This will augment CoxHealth’s existing resources and beds to support these potential patients. The new hospital will offer greater opportunities to care for patients, as they will be located in large, open areas as opposed to individual rooms.

“When Cox South doubled in size five years ago, several floors of the new tower were left empty so we could develop the space as needs arose,” says Steve Edwards, president and CEO of CoxHealth. “A need in our community is now here, and we are ready to help our patients have the best chance of recovery that we can give them by developing some of that space. I pray it is never used.”

The Cox South Emergency Department has also structured an alternate triage and treatment site for ambulatory patients who come to the ED with COVID-19 and other respiratory systems. For the time being, the new area is a large white tent that is placed along the drive-up area in front of the ED. The unit will be for the care of patients with mild symptoms.