USNS Comfort began to treat the first patients in New York

USNS Comfort hospital ship (T-AH 20) began to treat the first patients in New York City from April 1, supporting national efforts to respond to COVID-19.

Local Health Officials, in consultation with the Department of Health and United States Social Services (HHS), have developed protocols for patient transfer, with particular emphasis on patient safety and healthcare providers on board USNS Comfort. Both civil doctors and USNS Comfort doctors continue to cooperate directly, providing and implementing patient care plans.

"I am extremely proud of our sailors, Marines, civilian cast and medical personnel for providing safe, efficient and effective assistance to New York City before the deadline when our countrymen most need us," said Captain Joseph O'Brien, Mission Commander-Task Force New York. "The ship is filled with professionals; it was not surprising for us that our team was able to quickly coordinate with local health professionals and start receiving patients".

Patients treated in individual zones of the Comfort vessel are assessed according to their needs and are eligible for further treatment, and are tested prior to transfer following identification. The procedures for controlling infections are strictly enforced on board the ship, as are any civilian hospital on land. There are no expected costs for patients treated on the ship. The implementation of the American hospital ship Comfort in the New York medical system is an investment in the health of American residents.

While in New York, USNS Comfort serves as a hospital for patients without symptoms of COVID-19, who are currently admitted to hospitals on land, providing a full spectrum of medical care, including general surgery, intensive medical care and ward treatment for adults. This allows local health professionals to focus on treating patients with COVID-19, and hospitals on land can use their intensive medical care units and respirators for these patients.

"High quality and safe care of patients is the highest priority for our specialists, we are ready to work," said Captain Patrick Amersbach, commander of the Military Treatment Centre on board Comfort. "Our crew comes mainly from the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, as well as from other military and reserve naval troops on the eastern coast, leaving behind homes, families and friends because their nation needs them during the crisis".

Comfort is a hospital ship in which now more than 1,100 people participate in the New York mission, including medical and naval auxiliary personnel consisting of 22 troops, as well as over 70 civil servants.

The primary mission of USNS Comfort is to provide American troops with a mobile medical facility that is modern and has an excellent medical staff. The ship-hospital is exceptionally adapted to support war activities, equipped with operating rooms, intensive care facilities and provides the possibility of safe evacuation from war-threatening areas. Comfort's secondary mission is to provide full hospital services to support American humanitarian aid and humanitarian operations worldwide.

Signature: ACK