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The decision to suspend most of Ohio Valley’s services was made by hospital officials this week after Gov. Mike DeWine called on hospitals in the state to postpone elective procedures to keep beds, staff and equipment available for an anticipated surge of coronavirus cases.
However, Eisentrager said they will be able to assemble employees quickly in order to perform critical surgeries in case surrounding hospitals become bogged down with potential coronavirus cases. He said in the meantime, they have engaged in talks with Kettering Health and Mercy Health to create a safety net if there is a ramp up in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks.
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Representatives of Ohio Valley said they could also support other hospitals by providing surgical equipment to them.
Eisentrager said he does not anticipate opening up Ohio Valley’s facility to take in coronavirus cases unless other area hospitals become overwhelmed.