Castleton University Assists Community During COVID-19 Crisis
Castleton University is continuing its commitment to our local community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to thank all of our community partners, faculty, staff, students, and local volunteers for all that they have done during this crisis.
As part of our responsibility as a community partner, Rutland regional Medical Center will convert Spartan Arena into an additional care facility to serve a potential overload of patients due to COVID-19.
The arena was converted to a "surge site" for potential Rutland Regional Medical Center patients this past weekend. The conversion was the result of the work of RRMC, EJ Bishop, director of Union Arena in Woodstock, Rutland City and Rutland Town Fire Departments, Justin Belden and the Belden Company, Russell Construction Services, the Castleton University Facilities Crew, and many other volunteers.
Over the weekend, volunteers removed the turf and outfitted the hockey rink with cots and medical supplies. The arena will house about 150 additional beds for RRMC. Rutland Regional's main facility will serve COVID-19 patients, and patients requiring a lower level of care would go to Spartan Arena, if needed.
Dr. Jeff McKee, RRMC vice president of community and behavioral health, told the Rutland Herald that Spartan Area is an optimal location because it offers a single, open space where staffing can be used most effectively.
When there is no longer the potential need for overflow medical facilities and the COVID-19 crisis has passed, the arena will return to its original public use.
The Castleton Natural Sciences Department has also contributed, donating 80 N95 masks to the emergency department at Rutland Regional Medical Center to help support our local healthcare professionals.
See Spartan Arena Transform into an Alternate Care Facility
Atomic Professional Audio, Inc. has donated its time to make an electric grid to support client and work stations, add ambient lighting to allow for patient comfort, and work on the infrastructure that transforms the large rink into a working environment without trip hazards.
