Loma Linda prepares for treatment of COVID-19 patients

Pictured here is a COVID unit from the converted lobby including beds, sanitization stations and medical supplies.

Editor's note: The following is a news release from Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta about changes to the facility to accommodate COVID-19 patients:

Loma Linda University Medical Center in Murrieta is committed to the safety and health of all patients, employees and community members. Leadership, clinical experts and frontline providers are maintaining a constant focus on managing the organization’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“While many things are uncertain right now, our focus is protecting all employees, staff, patients and community members who step through our doors,” said Jared Horricks, executive director of ancillary services at Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta.

Loma Linda University Health has put preventive and preparation measures in place, and the medical center in Murrieta has taken the following additional steps:

Dedicated COVID units
In preparation for a possible influx of COVID-19 patients, Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta has constructed and converted existing space in the hospital to serve as an isolated COVID unit. In the span of the last 10 days, Murrieta has converted its front lobby, waiting rooms, a conference room and an outpatient special procedures area into the dedicated COVID space. Utilizing newly erected walls, the unit is completely isolated mechanically from the rest of the hospital space to avoid cross-contamination.

In addition to the dedicated units, a second tent has been set up outside the main entrance of the hospital to handle COVID patients arriving by ambulance.

Emergency Department expansion on track
During these times of uncertainty, Loma Linda University Medical Center – Murrieta is committed to providing robust emergency care services to meet the healthcare needs of the community. The 5,000-square-foot expansion will add 12 new treatment rooms to the existing 25 and is set to be complete in late April with the goal to be operational quickly thereafter.