'We're more prepared than ever': AdventHealth provides update on ICU bed capacity in Central Florida

AdventHealth preparing for surge of patients

As coronavirus cases climb by the thousands in Florida, ICU beds are as important as ever. AdventHealth says they are prepared for a surge in patients.

ORLANDO, Fla. - As Florida continues to report thousands of new coronavirus cases each day, there is a concern that intensive care units at local hospitals will fill up.

On Thursday, leaders at AdventHealth gave an update on the number of ICU beds they have available. The President and CEO of the hospital’s Central Florida division said that right now, their hospitals are in good shape.

“In our hospitals we have about 84 percent capacity across seven counties, 16 campuses total and ICU capacity is actually a little bit better, 81 percent,” Advent Health Central Florida Division President and CEO Daryl Tol said.

“To put that in context, that’s normal,” Tol said. “So, our health system and many health systems in Florida operate in this range capacity on a regular basis.”

They also said they can add beds if they need to.

“ICU beds are flexible,” Tol said. “We can add ICU beds. We can add considerable numbers of ICU beds. We have surge plans. Our health system and other health systems around the state have surge plans that allow us to take new spaces and transform beds and staff them that way.”

He went on to say that hospitals have had time to prepare and stock up on equipment since the beginning of the pandemic.

“The ventilators are right now in really good supply we purchased a large number back in March and April when we were preparing,” Tol said.

AdventHealth leaders also said they are working hire more staff just in case they need help to handling an influx of coronavirus patients.

Watch the AdventHealth update below:

(Mobile users watch update HERE)

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