GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital officials are adding temporary beds to help reduce the strain on acute-care hospitals as COVID-19 surges.
The state has granted approval for the additional beds, and the first 14 are operational, a news release said Wednesday.
These beds are for patients who need rehabilitation for a wide range of conditions and diagnoses, but do not have the coronavirus.
Mary Free Bed says taking these patients helps open beds and makes staff available for the growing number of COVID-19 patients needing care.
“We’re in regular contact with our colleagues at West Michigan hospitals, and we’re happy to provide this assistance,” CEO Kent Riddle said. “This is truly a community effort to ensure residents receive all the types of care they need.”