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BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Officials from Baylor Scott & White Health have said that while they continue to see an increase in patient numbers and intensive care unit occupancy rates continue to rise, “they won’t. will be unable to meet the demand for non-COVID care.
The admission comes after the Brazos County Health District reported that the county’s intensive care beds were at 104% occupancy on Thursday. In written statements, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. Joseph Health stress the need to follow community health guidelines to relieve pressure on hospital resources.
KBTX requested an on-camera interview with both hospital systems, but was told no one was available. Instead, each sent a written statement. You can read them in full at the bottom of this article.
Baylor Scott & White said their hospitalization rate, including the number of patients in their intensive care unit, is the highest since the start of the pandemic. Their statement says they are implementing the first phase of their emergency plans to accommodate patients who need intensive care. They warn that if this pattern continues, “they may not be able to meet non-COVID health care needs.”
“We can avoid this if we change course now,” their statement said.
St. Joseph Health said in a statement that they are busy but remain “stable and able to care for all patients requiring care at the hospital level.” The capacity of the intensive care unit at St. Joseph Health fluctuates throughout the day, they said in their statement.
“Reports that we have met or exceeded our capabilities do not indicate that we do not have the resources to take care of our community,” the statement said.
“If the situation continues to worsen,” they wrote: “St. Joseph Health has an emergency plan in place to ensure that care is provided to those in need of care at the hospital level.
Here is the full statement from St. Joseph Health:
“St. Joseph Health is busy, as usual, especially at this time of year; however, we remain stable and able to care for all patients requiring hospital care. Our critical care capacity fluctuates constantly throughout the day. Reports that we have met or exceeded our capabilities do not indicate that we do not have the resources to take care of our community. If the situation continues to worsen, St. Joseph Health has a contingency plan in place to ensure care is provided to those in need of hospital care.
At this critical time, we must work together to conserve space in our hospitals. The best way to do this is to follow public health guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Remember this simple prescription: don’t share your air. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and get the COVID-19 vaccine when you have the chance. “
Here is the full statement from Baylor Scott & White Health – College Station:
For months, our healthcare system has prepared to meet the anticipated needs of this pandemic and has contingency plans in place to successfully manage the ability to continue treating COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. .
Our hospitalization rate – including the number of patients treated in our intensive care unit (ICU) – is higher today than it has been at any time during the pandemic. We have implemented the first phase of our emergency response plans to accommodate patients who need intensive care.
If the current outbreak continues and our intensive care unit occupancy rate continues to rise, our medical center may not be able to meet the demand for non-COVID healthcare. We can avoid this if we change course now.
To continue to ensure that our hospitals are ready for those most in need of care during this time, we call on the public to urgently follow the recommended guidelines of physical distancing, masking, and good hygiene for people. hands as the new year approaches. We know these security measures can be difficult, but they are proven measures to stop the spread of the virus.
The safety and well-being of our community begins with every member and the decisions that each makes. Every member of the community has a role to play in preventing hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units while protecting us, our loved ones and our communities.
Baylor Scott & White will continue to do whatever it takes to meet the health needs of our community.
Copyright 2020 KBTX. All rights reserved.
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