Texas Hospital Association reports substantial capacity for COVID-19 patients

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas hospitals have reported that they have the necessary capacity to continue caring for the influx of COVID-19 patients, according to the Texas Hospital Association (THA).

The announcement came after Texas hospital officials reported to Gov. Abbott that they had enough capacity to keep caring for COVID-19 patients.

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“Hospitals are committed to managing capacity so patients get the right care at the right time for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 medical care. This will help ensure adequate space, staffing and supplies are available for COVID-19 patients,” said Ted Shaw, THA president/CEO. “Through these actions, Texas hospitals have been and will continue to nimbly manage increasing patient volumes as they occur in certain areas of the state. Hospitals are anchors in Texas communities and always are ready to respond to the unique needs of the people they serve.”

THA says that in order to meet demand, hospitals can adjust the flow of their patients, including slowing or pausing non-COVID-19-related procedures and increase bed capacity at the volume of patients fluctuate. Texas hospitals can also continue to reserve 15% of their capacity for COVID-19 patients.

THA also says that medical care continues to be routinely provided in outpatient settings without taxing the overall hospitalization capacity. Hospitals are partnering with other facilities in their regions to control capacity levels and ensure the "highest quality of care for every Texans who seeks it."

"With new screening procedures and dedicated units to separate potentially infectious patients from the general population, hospital care is safe and ready for those who need it. People who need care are encouraged to seek it," the THA wrote in a press release.

The association says that Texans can do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and should strictly adhere to wearing a mask in public, social distancing, handwashing, and by staying home when possible.

“The general public is the linchpin of our fight to stop this ruthless disease. Through their actions, people can change the course of COVID-19 and stop the surge,” Shaw said. “Hospitals are doing everything they can, and we need everyone to act now to protect themselves.”

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