M Health Fairview will transform Bethesda Hospital in Saint Paul into a COVID-19 specialty care facility.
The changes will bring the total bed count at the facility from 50 to 90, including 35 intensive care beds and 55 surgical beds, as an influx of COVID-19 patients is expected in the coming weeks.
M Health Fairview is making the changes to follow recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit exposure of healthcare workers and vulnerable patients to the virus.
Current patients at Bethesda will be transported this week to appropriate care facilities in the M Health Fairview system.