The ICU of Louisiana’s largest hospital is stretched to its limit with Covid-19 patients while others experiencing symptoms were waiting for a bed Monday, an official said.
Catherine O’Neal, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, stated that 23 people were on the waiting list for ICU space.
O’Neal stated Monday that people suffering from chest pain are sat in an ER while their families wait in the waiting area. “They are wringing and calling everyone they know” to be admitted to an ICU.
O’Neal stated that 36 Covid-19 patients were present at the Baton Rouge hospital a little over two weeks ago. Now, that number is 155.
O’Neal stated that no one diagnosis should occupy more than a quarter of your hospital. “We don’t think we can provide adequate care to anyone, as these are the worst days of the pandemic,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal stated that vaccination is the best way to stop the spread of Covid-19. However, this is not happening quickly enough so it’s important for people to wear masks.
According to Johns Hopkins University data, Louisiana is among five states that account for nearly half the new cases in the last week. Hospitals across the country are seeing an increase in Covid-19 patients as the more deadly Delta variant spreads. Doctors say that many patients are older and more sick than ever before.
According to Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the seven-day average number of new coronavirus cases per day has increased by more than 40% compared to the previous week.
“While we want to end this pandemic, Covid-19 clearly is not finished with us. Walensky stated that our fight must continue for a while longer.