Barton Health seeks those with clinical experience to join "Medical Corps" as influx of COVID-19 cases expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health is seeking retired or available physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals with clinical expertise to work with the hospital as it prepares to treat an influx of patients expected during the coronavirus crisis.

Under the guidance of the California Department of Public Health, as well as national, state and local health authorities, Barton is preparing for a surge in patients seeking medical care. As it prepares for this increase, Barton is reaching out to the community seeking anyone with a healthcare background or experience. Additionally, there will be a need for non-clinical support staff to fill ancillary roles throughout the hospital.

“This is an extraordinary time and we’re looking to our extraordinary community for help,” said Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO of Barton Health. “None of us have experienced anything like this. We have a highly qualified team of staff and physicians in place but with a potential influx of patients exceeding our normal capacities we, just like all hospitals, will need additional resources.”

“Part of our intensive planning includes identifying residents in the South Shore region who may have gone to medical or nursing school, or with any clinical background. We know this is a big request and it’s not one we make lightly. But I am certain there are qualified and generous people in this community who will want to help our team.”

Public health experts say the United States will soon experience a shortage of healthcare workers in many places as cases of COVID-19 escalate. As hospitals fill, front-line health workers could be overwhelmed with new patients. This has already happened in Seattle, Wash., and New York City, and while South Lake Tahoe is much smaller, it will take far less to tax its health care delivery system.

Persons interested in volunteering for clinical or non-clinical support roles should email bartonhr@bartonhealth.org. Additionally, clinical roles including physicians, pharmacists, dentists, NPs, PAs, nurses, behavioral health professionals, respiratory therapists, paramedics, MAs, EMTs, and select clinical students will also need to register their credentials with the State of California as Governor Newsom has announced payment and malpractice insurance will be covered through the State of California for these clinical roles.

The California Medical Services Authority has created California Health Corps Registration where a licensed and credentialed healthcare professional can register to then be ready to serve at a moment’s notice. This registry ensures your credentials are current and verified, resulting in an expedited process for activation, if you decide to accept an opportunity to participate in a clinical role at Barton Health.

For more information, please visit bartonhealth.org/medcorps; participant questions can be sent to bartonhr@bartonhealth.org.

- Barton Health Press Release