COVID Field Hospital At DCU Center In Worcester Closes
WORCESTER (CBS) - For the second time, the COVID-19 Field Hospital at the DCU Center in Worcester is closing its doors. The closing comes amid a steady decline in the positive coronavirus cases in Massachusetts.
The final patient to leave the 220-bed facility rang a so-called recovery bell as she left the facility.
Peter Lancette, the director of operations for the hospital, said the moment is bittersweet. "I mean on the one hand we're definitely happy that there's not the need for these beds anymore. On the other hand, it took a lot of pride and lot of effort to build this and its going away," Lancette said.
The facility started operating during the spring surge with 220 beds and roughly 600 staff members. It saw more patients during the winter surge, with 67 patients at the height.
The hospital specialized in patients who were no longer in critical condition but needed stable care.
"You have your morning medications, you have your physical therapy, you have your rounds with the doctors," said charge nurse Caitlin Lynch.
During both stints, healthcare workers from across the country worked together, many forming friendships. Some even met their future spouses.
"This has kind of been like a second family," Lynch said.
In recent months, the hospital treated over 600 coronavirus patients. The site will remain on standby for the time being.