HOUSTON, Texas — Responding to the Ebola crisis that gripped Dallas, Governor Rick Perry announced on Tuesday the creation of a containment facility in North Texas to treat individuals with the deadly virus. Perry’s hope is that such a facility will protect health care workers and prevent Ebola from spreading to the greater public.
A designated space at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will additionally be utilized as a containment facility.
The governor said in a statement provided to Breitbart Texas, “In the event of another diagnosis this facility will allow us to act quickly to limit the virus’ reach and give patients the care they need in an environment where health care workers are specially trained and equipped to deal with the unique requirements of this disease. We are fortunate to have such talented and dedicated leaders here in North Texas, and at UTMB Galveston, who are willing to step forward during a time of need.”
The facility in North Texas will be operated by health care providers from the UT Southwestern Medical Center, the Methodist Hospital System and the Parkland Hospital System.
President and CEO of Methodist Health System, Stephen L. Mansfield, said in a statement, “Methodist Health System answered the call because it is the right thing to do. Like all North Texans, we wish we weren’t in this situation. But the reality is there remains a threat, and as long as it’s there, Methodist is obligated by our mission — to improve and save lives through compassionate, quality health care — to do all we can to help.”
Perry’s announcement comes after two nurses who worked at Dallas’ Texas Presbyterian Hospital contracted Ebola. Thomas Eric Duncan, the Liberian man who brought the deadly disease into the U.S., was cared for at Texas Presbyterian. He ultimately died as a result of his diagnosis on October 8.
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