November 17th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

During a Tuesday media conference that outlined additional measures designed to slow the spread of COVID-19, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan raised some eyebrows when he singled out our area as one that was running short of hospital resources.

"We are very concerned that hospitals in Western Maryland, for example, are already at their capacity level, and 19 hospitals across the state are above 90% capacity."

Last week, WCBC's Bryan Gowans covered a UPMC news conference, during which medical officials said the system was ready for any increased demand for COVID care.   

UPMC issued the following statement in response to Governor Hogan's announcement.

Because we are part of a 40-hospital academic medical center, UPMC Western Maryland is working within our system to share resources, transfer patients and manage capacity, and conferring closely with leadership to ensure all needs are met. UPMC is well-prepared to handle this situation within the UPMC system. We are confident that UPMC Western Maryland  will continue to serve the needs of all who seek care.

We will seek additional comment and clarification from Governor Hogan's office Wednesday.