Six state hospitals adding 340 new beds in push to meet coronavirus demand

Maryland's hospitals are working quickly to meet Gov. Larry Hogan's charge to add 500 more hospital beds to the state's capacity by May 1. Six facilities have already sought special clearance to add 340 of those emergency beds. The governor has called for an increase of up to 6,000 hospital beds statewide amid expectations that a surge in local cases of coronavirus infections could overwhelm Maryland hospitals and their existing capacity. In support of the effort, the Federal Emergency Management…