FARGO — Sanford Health has added new rooms at its main Fargo medical center as patient numbers reach their highest level since the coronavirus pandemic reached the region earlier this year.
The 14-room unit that opened last Friday, Nov. 20, is on the eighth floor of the hospital and will be used for general medical and surgical patients, the health care provider said in a news release. Bryan Nermoe, CEO for Sanford Health in Fargo, said the expansion is part of a "surge plan."
“Our medical centers are incredibly busy," the executive said in a statement. "In the last few weeks, we have experienced the highest number of patients — both with COVID-19 and overall — since the beginning of the pandemic."
Nermoe said he was grateful for health care leaders and staff for working to open new beds, but added it is now time for the community to help, too.
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"We can all do our part to reduce pressure on the health care system by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings and following guidance from the CDC,” he said.
Sanford Health is also using its downtown Broadway Medical Center for patients.
Since North Dakota confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in March, Sanford Health added 172 beds in Fargo, including 64 in March, 24 in October, and 45 in November. It plans to add another 25 beds by Dec. 1.
More than half of the new beds are at the Broadway campus downtown, with the rest at the main Fargo medical center next to Interstate 94, according to Sanford Health.
The eighth floor of the medical center by I-94 also houses an 18-bed innovation unit and another wing for general medical and surgical patients.
