BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Baylor Scott & White Health officials say that if they continue to see an increase in patients and ICU occupancy rates continue to rise, ‘they will not be able to meet the demand for non-COVID’s. to provide care. ‘
This recognition comes after the Brazos County Health District reported that ICU beds in the province were 104% on Thursday. In written statements, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. Joseph Health stressed the need to follow these health guidelines to alleviate stress in hospital resources.
KBTX requested an interview with both hospital systems, but it was said no one was available. Instead, each sent a written statement. You can read it 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 pandemic. Their statement said they were embarking on the first phase of their plans to accommodate patients in need of intensive care. They warn that if this pattern persists, “they may not be able to meet non-COVID health care needs.”
“We can avoid it if we change course now,” they said.
St. Joseph Health said in a statement that they were busy, but that they were “stable and able to care for all patients needed at a hospital level.” The ICU capacity at St. Joseph Health fluctuates throughout the day, they said in their statement.
“Reports that we have at or more capacity do not indicate that we do not have the means to care for our community,” the statement said.
“Should the situation continue to increase,” they wrote, “St. Joseph Health has a training plan in place to ensure that those in need of care are cared for 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 can care for all patients in need of hospital-level care. Our ICU capacity fluctuates constantly throughout the day. Reports that we have a capacity or not do not indicate that we do not have the means to care for our community. If the situation were to escalate, St. Joseph Health has a big plan to make sure that those who need care at the hospital level get care.
In this critical time, we must work together to preserve space in our hospitals. The best way to do this is to follow public health guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please remember this simple prescription: Do not share your air. Wear a mask, social distance, and get the COVID-19 vaccine when available. ”
Here is the full statement from Baylor Scott & White Health – College Station:
Our healthcare system has been prepared for months to address the anticipated needs of this pandemic and has put in place training plans to successfully manage the ability to treat both 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 at any other stage in the pandemic. We have drawn up the first phase of our plans to accommodate patients in need of intensive care.
If the current boom continues and our ICU occupancy rate continues to rise, our medical center may not meet the demand for non-COVID healthcare needs. We can avoid it if we change course now.
To continue to ensure that our hospitals are ready for those who need care most during this time, we ask that the public follow a sense of urgency when following the recommended guidelines for physical distance, masking and hand hygiene when we the new year is approaching. We know that these security measures can be difficult, but these are proven measures to stop the spread of the virus.
The safety and well-being of our community begins with each member and the decisions we make. Every member of the community has a role to play in preventing hospitalizations and admissions of intensive care units, while protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.
Baylor Scott & White will continue to do what is necessary to provide for the health care needs of our community. ”
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