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Source: https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com...ty/5538009001/
'We are in a very bad place': Alabama COVID-19 hospitalizations breach 2,100 as ICU beds dwindle
Melissa Brown
Montgomery Advertiser
August 9, 2021
Alabama COVID-19 hospitalizations topped 2,100 on Monday in an ongoing surge that continues to threaten hospital intensive care capacity.
Health officials in the state are actively considering different plans to preserve resources. Many hospitals have seen dwindling staff numbers in recent months due to pandemic-related trauma, burn out and more lucrative opportunities out of state.
At least 2,134 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Alabama on Monday, Alabama Hospital Association director Dr. Don Williamson said. Just 87 intensive care designated beds are available in the state, the lowest number since Jan. 28 and about 6% of Alabama's current capacity.
Major care centers such as UAB have begun canceling surgical procedures as their COVID-19 patients increase, while at least one rural Alabama hospital will soon have to send administrative staff into patient units as a stopgap measure.
"I'm a guy that keeps a pretty positive attitude, but right now I'm scared to death," said Douglas Brewer, CEO at Whitfield Regional Hospital in rural Demopolis, Alabama. "Having lived through two peaks, we're seeing this one hit us much faster than the other two. It looks like it's going to be worse for many reasons, not the least of which is we have less staff."
The staff shortages are widespread in the state, Williamson said...
'We are in a very bad place': Alabama COVID-19 hospitalizations breach 2,100 as ICU beds dwindle
Melissa Brown
Montgomery Advertiser
August 9, 2021
Alabama COVID-19 hospitalizations topped 2,100 on Monday in an ongoing surge that continues to threaten hospital intensive care capacity.
Health officials in the state are actively considering different plans to preserve resources. Many hospitals have seen dwindling staff numbers in recent months due to pandemic-related trauma, burn out and more lucrative opportunities out of state.
At least 2,134 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Alabama on Monday, Alabama Hospital Association director Dr. Don Williamson said. Just 87 intensive care designated beds are available in the state, the lowest number since Jan. 28 and about 6% of Alabama's current capacity.
Major care centers such as UAB have begun canceling surgical procedures as their COVID-19 patients increase, while at least one rural Alabama hospital will soon have to send administrative staff into patient units as a stopgap measure.
"I'm a guy that keeps a pretty positive attitude, but right now I'm scared to death," said Douglas Brewer, CEO at Whitfield Regional Hospital in rural Demopolis, Alabama. "Having lived through two peaks, we're seeing this one hit us much faster than the other two. It looks like it's going to be worse for many reasons, not the least of which is we have less staff."
The staff shortages are widespread in the state, Williamson said...
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