Governor Wolf Working with FEMA to Address Healthcare Staffing Shortages Amid COVID Surge

Gov. Tom Wolf

 

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf will work with the federal government in order to address labor shortages in the healthcare sector amid another surge in coronavirus cases.

Wolf, who is partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will create “strike teams” to be sent to hospitals and long-term care facilities.

“I am committed to seeing the healthcare community through these difficult times,” said Governor Wolf in a press release. “We’re organizing these support sites and strike teams in response to calls for help from the healthcare community. I will do everything in my power to continue supporting the healthcare heroes that have supported all of us since day one of this pandemic.”

Hospitals that experience a surge in patients and are facing a shortage of beds will be allowed to transfer patients to special regional sites in order to ease pressure placed on the facility. Furthermore, the regional sites will have extra staffing and resources for 60 days.

FEMA has agreed to reimburse the state for the additional support administered to the healthcare system.

“While these efforts will relieve current strains on the healthcare system, we hope every Pennsylvanian will continue doing their part so that care is available when their loved ones need it,” said Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter. “With targeted healthcare staffing support and communities rallied in support by wearing masks, getting vaccinated with boosters, and staying home when sick, we will come out of this with fewer losses. Let’s unite against COVID, again.”

Yes, Every Kid

In recent months, the state has experienced critical staffing shortages in crucial areas.

Previously, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UMPC) announced that the hospital will establish an in-house staffing agency to solve its nursing shortage.

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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tom Wolf” by Governor Tom Wolf CC BY 2.0.

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