CRMC CEO: Working To Increase Ventilators, Hospital Capacity

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center CEO Tim Thornell says that while the hospital hasn't yet been hit with a massive influx of coronavirus patients, the hospital is doing what it can to prepare for a possible big increase in victims of the virus.

Thornell, appearing on the ''Weekend In Wyoming" program on AM 650 KGAB, said that as of then the hospital only had "two or three" COVID-19 patients, with two being in the Intensive Care Unit. One other patient who had been hospitalized has since recovered and been sent home.

He also said the hospital as of the last report had 35 ventilators, a number he would like to increase by about 10 if possible.

In terms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as facemasks, Thornell said the hospital currently has a "decent" supply, but again, future demands could increase the need for such equipment and officials are doing what they can to prepare for that possibility.

Thornell also said CRMC is looking at ways to expand the available. Speaking of the statewide outlook, Thornell said Wyoming is currently 'in a good place" in terms of medical resources to meet the current healthcare needs posed by the pandemic.

But he also said that there is no way to know what may develop in the future, and medical officials do feel a certain degree of ''trepidation'' about what may happen down the road If Wyoming gets hit with a large number of new cases of coronavirus at some point.

Thornell said that is why it is critical that people practice social distancing, frequent handwashing and staying at home as much as possible to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

You can hear the Tim Thornell interview on KGAB in the audio attached to this article.