In the next couple of weeks, Avera Health is expecting a potential surge of over 300 COVID inpatients in its hospitals systemwide. To put that in perspective, Avera rose from around 120 COVID hospitalizations in the system several weeks ago to more than 190 at mid-week (Jan. 19, 2022). At 300 cases, it would exceed the total number of hospitalizations Avera experienced during the previous peak in 2020.
In Pierre, Avera St. Mary’s Hospital is watching COVID numbers and making adjustments to be able to care for a potential surge in patient numbers.
St. Mary’s President and CMO Dr. Mikel Holland says to deal with the influx of cases they expect, they’ve updated their surge plan and have implemented a voluntary program for employees in all areas to work shifts in patient care areas. He says whether the employees have clinical experience or not, there are support tasks they can do to ease the burden when frontline staff are busy.
But, Holland says, procedures that require an inpatient overnight stay or a prolonged recovery time in the hospital are being delayed. He says these are difficult decisions to make, and decisions they don’t make lightly. They know it’s an inconvenience for patients and medical providers; However, given the level of patient care needs they’re seeing right now, particularly due to increasing COVID hospitalizations, the delays are necessary to ensure Avera St. Mary’s Hospital can allocate their resources to where they are most required.
Holland says they’re pulling their team together and getting them ready, because we could be entering the most difficult stretch of the pandemic so far. He says he’s proud of the St. Mary’s Hospital employees for all they have done throughout the pandemic to ensure patients get the care they need.
Holland says the public can help ease this situation with the first line of defense being vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who are unvaccinated are:
-
10 times more likely to die of COVID;
-
10 times more likely to be hospitalized; and
-
5 times more likely to get COVID.
Holland says people can help by continuing to:
-
Wash your hands;
-
Wear your mask when you’re in public areas with other people;
-
Stay home when you’re sick and get tested;
-
Stay at least 6 feet from others; and
-
Limit or refrain from indoor gatherings.
Overall, there has been a gradual incline since the fall when the Delta variant hit. Many of these patients are staying in the hospital much longer than they did in 2020.
“Due to variants, including Delta and Omicron, the waves of COVID keep coming. We’re still in the midst of this dangerous situation, so it’s important for all of us to stay vigilant and do what we can to protect ourselves and others,” said David Basel, MD, Vice President of Clinical Quality for Avera Medical Group. He says get vaccinated, and if the timing’s right, get your booster.
Comments