CLEVELAND — With the continued spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Cleveland Clinic has announced that it will be providing caregivers to some of the nation's hardest hit areas.
The Clinic says it has connected with hospitals in New York and Michigan who need critical care nurses, nurse practitioners, board-certified critical care and emergency medicine physicians, physician assistants and CT and X-ray technicians.
The decision to serve is completely voluntary for caregivers.
Cleveland Clinic stresses that should it experience an increased surge at one of its own locations, the caregivers will be brought back "to meet the needs of our patients." The Clinic adds that it is well staffed to handle any anticipated surge in the states where it has hospitals.
In a statement, Cleveland Clinic adds the following points about this development:
- Caregivers will continue to receive pay and benefits from Cleveland Clinic with no interruption.
- No vacation time will be charged to those who volunteer to assist.
- All clinicians will be covered by the Clinic's medical malpractice insurance, as well as emergency immunity laws that have been enacted in both New York and Michigan. All housing, meals, transportation and laundering services will be provided and expenses will be reimbursed.
- The duration of the assignment will be based on staffing needs at Cleveland Clinic. Individuals are free to come home at any time.
- If a caregiver becomes sick, Cleveland Clinic will bring them home.
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