WASHINGTON — The chief medical officer at Temple University Hospital says he’s confident all remaining patients in the facility who were injured in Tuesday’s Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia will recover and go home.
Thursday morning, Dr. Herbert Cushing told reporters 16 patients remain in the hospital. Six were discharged in the past day, and one was transferred to another hospital.
Eight patients remain in critical condition.
Cushing says the patients range in age from 19 to 80 years. All the patients being treated have been identified.
He expects a few surgeries will be performed Thursday.
Asked if patients will recover fully, Cushing said he was hopeful.
“You get better from broken bones, so I don’t think there will be significant lasting effects,” said Cushing.
The trauma of the event could have more long-lasting effects, he said.
“Many of them will need psychological counseling when they’re ready to start dealing with it,” said Cushing.
Asked if reporters could speak with patients, Cushing declined.
“They’re still sick. They’ve been through a very traumatic experience.”
