The Northern Lights Regional Health Centre is getting some extra hands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keyano’s nursing faculty, a total of nine registered and licensed practical nurses, are helping care for patients suffering from the virus.

Dale Mountain, Keyano Interim President & CEO, says the community has always stepped up to help each other and this is just another example.

“Our faculty have been amazing, stepping in to help during a time of need, demonstrating core values of care and compassion,” he said.

“In times of crisis our community has always pulled together and we are so pleased to lend assistance where needed.”

According to Dr. Eli Ahlquist Dean, School of Health & Human Services, many of these staff members are working near to full-time hours.

“We are fortunate to be in a position to be able to free up our nursing faculty to assist.”

The hospital has been seeing a drop in patients, however, they continue to see a high number of individuals suffering from the virus.

At one time, the ICU was expanded to 11 beds despite a pre-COVID maximum of seven.

As of May 31, nine individuals were being treated in the hospital, the majority being COVID-related.

In total, 15 patients have tested positive for the virus. The highest number of patients at one-time was 38 back in early May.

Since May 24, seven people have needed to be transferred to Edmonton due to capacity issues and needing a higher level of care.