Toronto hospital builds mobile unit as COVID-19 variants of concern increase
A Toronto hospital is building a mobile health unit as a precaution to help with healthcare capacity in case COVID-19 variants of concern overwhelm the system.
On Wednesday, Sunnybrook Hospital said they have been working on building a mobile health unit since February, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments.
“Equipment has arrived for the set-up and the structures are being assembled currently in one of our large parking lots. The facility will also receive support from the Wellspring house located adjacent to the parking lot,” the release said.
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Currently, the mobile health unit is being configured for 84 beds, but is expandable to 100 if needed. Each “pod” of eight to 10 beds is self-contained and is equipped with the necessary medical support system as well as washroom facilities.
Mobile Health Unity / Sunnybrook Hospital
A number of large generators provide power for the unit.
“In the event of an increase in the demand for beds, we expect the facility will most likely be used to provide space for patients who are awaiting placement in other facilities, and low acuity recovering patients which will free up acute and critical care beds in the hospital,” they said.
On Monday, Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, said almost 40% of reported cases in the city have screened positive for the variants of concern.
In February, Canada’s chief public officer of health, Dr. Theresa Tam, said that the variants could drive a third wave if the cases are not contained.
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