Lowell Field Hospital Accepts First Patient

LOWELL, MA — The Lowell field hospital received its first patient from Lowell General Monday, the hospital said.

The field hospital, referred to by the hospital as an "alternative care site," opened with 14 beds Monday. It is expected to have 28 beds available by the end of the week.

The hospital is designed to be a "regional resource for transfer of recovering patients who need some additional medications or therapies before being discharged to home, opening up inpatient capacity for more severely ill patients," Lowell General said.

Lowell General officials are reviewing patients in their care for possible transfer and are in contact with other area hospitals about increasing inpatient capacity. Officials anticipate a rise in patients after the holiday season.

The site, located at UMass Lowell's Recreation Center, opened in the spring during the first wave but was closed soon after due to lack of need.

“We are proud to be able to provide this resource for the region and stand ready to accept additional patients,” said Lowell General CEO Jody White. “Patients and families should take comfort that this site is staffed by skilled physicians, nurses and support personnel, and will provide the same standard of care as they would expect in the hospital.”

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.