Merlis Belsher Place field hospital is ready in case of COVID-19 surge

The $51-million arena and home of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies is ready in case there’s a surge of COVID-19 cases.

It is all part of the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s “defensive” approach as it prepares for a potential spike.

“Field hospitals will provide that additional capacity if needed. Once the need for a field hospital is over, equipment and supplies that were ordered for these facilities will be distributed to other hospitals in Saskatchewan for use,” said Doug Dahl of the SHA.

Aside from Merlis Belsher, the Saskatoon Field House, and Evraz Place in Regina are also equipped and ready to activate very quickly should a surge in COVID-19 cases occur. Collectively, the three field hospitals will have room for 309 COVID-19-positive patients between them.

Each field hospital is ready to provide a wide range of care providers, similar to what you would see in a regular hospital.

Doctors, nurses, care aides, nutritionists, pharmacists and volunteers will make up the staff in the facilities in case the hospital is triggered to open.

“We aren’t certain on how this pandemic will run its course, and it’s important to have this plan in place if we ever get to a point where our conventional system capacity isn’t enough,” said Dahl.

Merlis Belsher Place was required to make some adjustments to support typical hospital operations.

The addition of oxygen system equipment and distribution, temporary emergency power, modifications to the mechanical ductwork to improve air flow, and temporary structures to support the distribution of mechanical and electrical systems were added.

“Saskatchewan’s health system needs to be able to respond to an increase in patients,” said Dahl.