Comfort treats first patients

NEW YORK – The Navy hospital ships USNS Comfort treated its first non-coronavirus patients here April 1 in support of the nation’s COVID-19 response efforts. Officials say patients treated on Comfort are assessed upon need and a case-by-case basis. Once identified, they are screened prior to transfer. Local health officials along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have established patient transfer protocols with careful consideration to safety and security and to medical care providers aboard, according to a press release by the U.S. 2nd Fleet. Both civilian physicians and USNS Comfort physicians will continue to work directly in concert to provide and carry out patient care plans. The facility currently has more than 1,100 personnel on board, including Navy medical and support staff assembled from 22 commands, and more than 70 civil service mariners. “I’m immensely proud of our sailors, marines, civilian mariners and medical staff for safely, efficiently and effectively getting Comfort to New York ahead of schedule when our fellow Americans need us most,” said Capt. Joseph O’Brien, mission commander, Task Force New York. (Source: WAVY 04/01/20) https://www.wavy.com/news/military/usns-comfort-treats-first-patients-in-new-york/