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Decatur-Morgan Hospital to add new "COVID unit"

The hospital is working to add a COVID unit at the Parkway campus, with a total of 36 beds.

DECATUR, Ala. — Morgan County officials say they've seen a spike in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. The county now in the "very high risk" category according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Leaders say there have been more than 100 new COVID-19 cases since Friday. Decatur-Morgan Hospital reported 22 inpatients with COVID-19.

Hospital officials say the ICU is full, including patients with the virus. They say they're also seeing a lot of sick patients who have delayed getting care.

"I just wanted to make sure everybody goes and gets the lab work, sees their doctor whether it's on phone or in person, and get help when you're sick. That is filling up our ICU now, plus we are seeing flu," says Decatur-Morgan Hospital President, Kelli Powers.

Leaders encourage people to get their flu shots and mammogram screenings.

Hospital officials also announced that Decatur-Morgan Hospital will add a new COVID-19 unit starting with 15 beds at their Parkway campus on November 1st. They're also looking to hire staff which includes nurses, and technicians. 

The new unit would serve Morgan County first, and would build up to 36 beds to receive patients from Athens, Kellen Keller, or Huntsville-Madison Hospitals if needed. 

Powers says they're hoping to add this unit to avoid halting elective procedures at the main campus, and other campuses in the system. 

She also says the hospital is seeking funds from FEMA to build another ICU at Decatur-Morgan Hospital. Powers says it would be a 12 bed "state of the art ICU'.

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