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Governor Confident Providence Saint Patrick Hospital Can Handle Ebola Patients

Governor Steve Bullock says he's confident that should Missoula's Providence Saint Patrick hospital be asked to treat an Ebola patient, it would provide top notch care.

St.Pat's is one of four hospitals in the country specifically prepared to care for someone with such a highly infectious disease.

Aswe reported yesterday, some people who work there aren’t sure the hospital is adequately prepared to accept an Ebola case.

Bullock says he's confident Saint Pat's would not only expertly treat the patient, but simultaneously ensure the safety of the entire community.

"We're one of four hospitals that actually have the qualifications to do so," Bullock said. "There's certainly concern all across the country, but given those qualifications and given that's the only hospital working directly with the State Department, my expectations would be that all of the standards would be met and fully fulfilled or this wouldn't even be in discussion in Montana."

Bullock was in Missoula Wednesday promoting his early childhood education plan. He said he expects the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to notify him if and when an Ebola patient would be transported to Missoula. As of Wednesday he said he had received no such alert.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065
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