Incoming nurses to help Phoebe health system

DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. – Phoebe is expecting additional help as hospitals are overwhelmed with coronavirus patients.

As of Monday afternoon, Georgia’s total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 7,000.

Phoebe reports 1,405 positive cases throughout their health system and in Dougherty County alone, there are 716 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

136 COVID-19 positive patients are currently being treated at Phoebe hospitals in Albany.

The numbers paint a somber picture however Phoebe officials say there is some good news.

Phoebe president and CEO Scott Steiner says, “In the last five days we have extubated 12 patients, taken them off the ventilator and they have all successfully been able to breathe and recover on their own still in the hospital. We’re also encouraged that we’re expecting 40 new nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals in this week from a staffing agency this will allow our staff that have been working nonstop for the last four weeks to get a much needed rest.”

Phoebe reports 340 of their patients have recovered from Coronavirus.