An Old Facility Refashioned For COVID-19 Patients

As cities across the country anticipate the spread of COVID-19, a community in western Minnesota took an old facility and refashioned it for COVID-19 patients.

From 1992 to 2010, the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton housed prisoners from across the country. Now, they’ve converted it into a medical center, just in case COVID-19 spreads to their local community.

“It was about two weeks ago that it hit me this was going to be much bigger than what I thought it was previously,” said Dr. Brandon Chase Osbon of CCM Health in Montevideo.

Osbon had his doubts about turning a former correctional facility into a building medical building. But those doubts didn’t last long.

“I was really kind of blown away. I thought we can make a few adjustments and turn this from a prison into a hospital,” said Osbon.

Since then, workers have been busy giving former cells a health care feel.

“They are bringing in some liquid oxygen tanks, piping in, copper pipe. And they can deliver it into the rooms,” said Osbon. “All these rooms need oxygen. It’s one of the many things people are needing for supportive care with COVID-19.”

Patients too could potentially come from across western Minnesota.

Five health care facilities span three counties: Swift, Chippewa, and Lac Qui Parle. They’ll plan to start with 11 beds but can quickly expand to 88.

“If we intermingle our COVID-19 patients with our patients who have congestive heart failure in conditions like that, we put those patients at risk as well,” said Lori Andreas, CEO of Appleton Area Health.

Appleton Area Health is also connected to a senior care facility. By separating potential COVID-19 patients, they feel they can slow the spread. They could eventually treat as many as 300 people in the Tri County Covid Medical Center. But they’re hoping it doesn’t come to that.

“Our motto is, ‘Let’s get ready for it and hope we don’t have to use it,’” said Andreas.

Marie Wikoff is the creator of Wikoff Design Studio based out of Reno, Nevada. Her expertise in healthcare design has helped modernize healthcare organizations locally, regionally, and internationally, improving patient experience and outcomes. Her credentials include Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC), American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designer (CHID), the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED AP. Contact Marie Wikoff

Source:

John Lauritsen. “Coronavirus In Minnesota: Prison Earmarked For Transformation Into Medical Center.” WCCO | CBS Minnesota, WCCO | CBS Minnesota, 27 Mar. 2020, minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/03/27/coronavirus-in-minnesota-prison-transforms-into-covid-19-medical-center/.