IU repurposes dorms for healthcare workers

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – Two Indiana University campuses are working with the medical community to provide space for physicians, nurses and other medical professionals to rest between shifts. IU says it is working with hospitals in Indianapolis and Bloomington to repurpose available space.

The university says IUPUI’s University Tower and IU Bloomington’s Briscoe residence hall will be converted into a respite center for medical professionals and self-quarantine use. The Briscoe residence hall on the university’s north side is available to IU Health medical workers in south-central Indiana. A separate area within the residence hall will be used as needed by healthcare workers who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The university says its goal is to provide close and convenient rest areas for those working long hours.

“At IUPUI, we have a special connection to health care professionals across the state since many of them were educated right here on our campus,” said IUPUI Chancellor Nasser Paydar. “As a public institution, it is our responsibility to help them help the community, and IUPUI is strategically located among a number of major hospitals to provide support. At this time of crisis, we are working together to find innovative and effective ways to protect the safety and health of our community.”

IU previously announced that it was donating Personal Protective Equipment to hospitals and first responders across the state. IU says its using its resources and faculty expertise to create PPE and provide respite space for healthcare workers.