Members of the Tennessee National Guard have been deployed to two Erlanger Health System hospitals in Hamilton County while all local hospitals are forced to scale back elective procedures as the worst patient surge of the pandemic to date pushes health care systems to the brink.
As of Wednesday, a record-high 321 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in Hamilton County hospitals – up from Tuesday’s record of 280 patients – according to data from the Hamilton County Health Department.
Of those patients, 67 required intensive care and 215 were residents of other counties across the region.
Lt. Col. Darrin Haas, spokesperson for the Tennessee National Guard, said Wednesday that 20 soldiers and airmen are arriving to provide administrative assistance at Erlanger Medical Center, and roughly 10 additional soldiers are going to help with administrative duties at Erlanger East Hospital.
Erlanger officials said via emailed statement the Guard members will be supporting staff in non-clinical hospital duties, such as answering phones, delivering meal trays and acting as guest service ambassadors.