In anticipation of an increased patient load because of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Talihina Veterans Center has sent surplus beds to McAlester Regional Health Center.
“McAlester Regional officials reached out to their elected delegation expressing difficulty in obtaining some additional equipment in order to restock a previously closed wing of the hospital in anticipation of a surge of patients in the coming weeks due to COVID-19,” state Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, said.
Grego said he worked with State Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, along with Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Joel Kintsel and Deputy Director Sarah Lane to secure the extra beds.
They were able to confirm the existence of the beds, which had been taken out of service and deemed surplus. The beds then were made available to McAlester Regional Health Center.
Pittsburg County Commissioner Ross Selman secured a truck along with a van trailer loaned by Big V Feeds Inc. of McAlester to provide transportation.