Baptist South, Beaches Add 100 COVID Service Beds to Address ‘3rd Patient Increase’

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Baptist Health reported its highest number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care this week with 107 in intensive care at its five hospitals on Saturday.

As the healthcare system battles its “third wave of patients” with 560 patients across its five hospitals, its Baptist South and Baptist Beaches facilities have now added more than 100 beds to their COVID wards.

According to figures released by the Florida Hospital Association, the state reported a total of 13,348 hospitalizations for COVID-19 on Saturday.

Baptist said the need for beds at its two hospitals was anticipated by its outbreak response plan, which predicts an increase in patient numbers and helps hospitals prepare for it.

“It makes sense to be prepared, and it’s unfortunate that we are in this situation, but we are,” said Dr Sunil Joshi, immunologist at Baptist Health.

Baptist said 14 of the 560 COVID-19 patients he treats in his healthcare system are at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, and five of those children are now in intensive care.

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Baptist said 76 new COVID-19 positive patients were admitted on Friday, and four of those new patients were children.

More than 90% of Baptist’s current COVID patients aged 12 and older are not fully immunized, the hospital said.

Joshi said the peak of COVID cases is much higher this year.

“Last year, remember, the key words were ‘flatten the curve’ so that it doesn’t go up so high that, you know, we are invading hospitals,” Joshi said. “It looks like we’re going up a lot faster and a lot steeper. This is such a concern because if it continues to increase to that level, it is when hospitals could exceed their capacity. “

Baptist Health said the expanded areas of Baptist South and Baptist Beaches were previously “shell spaces” with walls, windows, an HVAC system and washrooms, but no interior upgrades or finishes.

Baptist said each patient space can support the high-flow oxygen equipment, IV pumps, beds and monitors needed to ensure patients receive the same care they would receive in a traditional unit.

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“While not aesthetically appealing, the clinical care provided is excellent given our experience and our commitment to making room for all patients in need,” Baptist said.