Has an agreement with KDMC to have access to facility, equipment

RUSSELL, Ky. — Despite the closing of Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital on April 30, they have made an arrangement to have the facility available in case it is needed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The hospital said in a statement that OLBH and King’s Daughters Medical Center are working closely to ensure all patients have access to care during this pandemic.

“We have signed an agreement that provides KDMC access to the hospital facility and equipment therein to continue caring for the community in the event that COVID-19 causes a surge in demand for health care services,” the hospital said. “KDMC and OLBH have established a plan to keep areas of the facility and needed equipment ready for use as part of their COVID-19 community surge plans. This will ensure the facilities and equipment are available for use by KDMC should the need arise.”

There was some concern in the community that if there was a surge in COVID-19 cases that there would not enough hospital beds after the OLBH facility closed.

The hospital said they continue to encourage people follow recommended hygiene and safety measures to slow the spread of the virus.

“We continue to encourage and stress the need for social distancing, effective handwashing and wearing masks in public, per CDC guidelines,” the hospital said. “These proactive measures have helped to reduce the spread of COVID-19 cases and we are optimistic that this trend will continue.”