North Dakota hospitals “at capacity”

BISMARCK, ND (Valley News Live) – Governor Doug Burgum, along with chief medical officers and medics, is urging the public to help reduce the need for hospitalization as the state reaches critical levels of hospital capacity.

“The pressure on hospitals and clinics in our urban and rural areas is reaching critical levels, and we all need to do our part to avoid hospitalizations and avoid additional strain on these facilities and their staff as we go through this incredibly difficult time. Says Burgum.

North Dakota’s hospitals and healthcare systems have seen a significant increase in acute healthcare needs in recent months, and they expect that increased demand to continue for some time, the Dr Richard Vetter, Chief Medical Officer at Essentia Health in Fargo. The additional demand has resulted in increased delays in accessing care, especially in emergency rooms and hospitals, said Vetter, noting that patients are being referred outside of their usual referral schedules – sometimes to facilities. located several hundred kilometers away.

“We are concerned that as the number of influenza increases, it will also put additional strain on our health care system,” said Vetter. “We strongly encourage everyone to consider getting a flu shot within the next 1-2 months. “

The North Dakota Department of Health said on Friday that 43 patients from across the state had been referred to other facilities, including six psychiatric patients; and 29 patients were waiting in emergency departments to be admitted to hospital.

“North Dakota’s healthcare systems face headwinds in caring for the people of our state. Our hospitals are at or above capacity which affects care for all medical conditions. Doctors, nurses and other essential frontline health workers are doing a heroic job caring for our communities despite staffing and space shortages, ”said Meeker. “We have tough times ahead, but I have no doubts that we will work together to help us. “

In a press release, Dr Jeffrey Sather, chief medical staff at Trinity Health in Minot, says staff shortages are the most daunting challenge facing hospitals.

“The health systems in our state and region are about to be overwhelmed,” Sather said. “We are beyond our ability to provide the normal care we all expect. I am so proud of every employee for what they go through every day. We have done our best over the past 18 months. I am also proud of the collaboration between health systems working together during this pandemic to take care of our fellow citizens. “

“Now more than ever, we need everyone’s help to reduce the pressure on our health systems by reducing the need for hospitalization,” added Sather.

Dr Joshua Ranum, vice president of the North Dakota Medical Association and a physician for West River Health Services in Hettinger, said North Dakota was one of the first to embrace monoclonal antibody treatments that have helped keep patients down. COVID-19 cases out of hospital, but the mainstream The nation’s shortage of monoclonal antibodies is putting additional pressure on hospital capacity.

“Right now, walking into a North Dakota hospital is like stepping into an alternate reality,” Ranum said. “Our hospitals are at full capacity and likely will continue to be for several weeks. In contrast, one can move around the community almost normally, not realizing the chaos within the city blocks of the hospital. We encourage all North Dakotas to get vaccinated, stay healthy and stay safe in order to stay out of hospital. Maybe it is you or a loved one who is in desperate need of that hospital bed.

Medical authorities suggest several ways for the public to help reduce hospitalizations:

• Avoid hazardous or high risk activities that could cause serious injury.
• See your doctor regularly and take care of your chronic health problems.
• Make sure immunizations are up to date for you and your children.
• Wash your hands, distance yourself socially and wear a mask to fight against all respiratory viruses.
• If you have a respiratory virus, stay home and self-isolate to avoid infecting others.
• Practice defensive driving. There have been many highly traumatic vehicle crashes in North Dakota recently. Obey traffic laws, use caution in construction areas, avoid distracted driving, wear seat belts and helmets, and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Consider a telehealth option if you are not feeling well.

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