Maryland will be setting aside $25 million in state funding to hire and recruit pediatric intensive care unit staff. The funding is being made in response to a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with more than 500 RSV-related hospitalizations in Maryland since the start of October, Healthcare Finance reports.
According to Governor Larry Hogan, RSV hospitalizations are increasing earlier and more rapidly than in previous years, with the 0-2 age group comprising 57% of hospitalizations. On Oct. 14, the Maryland Department of Health announced $80 million in additional funding for healthcare providers across the state.
Hospitals will receive $25 million and have been directed to utilize these resources to increase the hiring and recruitment of staff. For facilities with pediatric ICU and/or inpatient beds, awards should prioritize staffing those units appropriately before considering other non-pediatric units. Read more.
