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Source: https://www.wbaltv.com/article/maryland-hospitals-capacity-treating-children-covid-19/37341990#
Concern grows over Maryland hospitals reaching capacity to treat children
WBAL Updated: 6:12 PM EDT Aug 18, 2021
BALTIMORE —
There's growing concern in Maryland that hospitals could reach capacity when it comes to accepting children -- and the fears aren't only because of COVID-19.
Hospitals are preparing for a surge of COVID-19 cases in children. According to state data, new COVID-19 cases among children 9 years and younger averages 91 per day. That's compared to 22 per day in July.
"I think there is a concern that we could reach the hospitals' capacity to take care of children," said Dr. Ted Delbridge, executive director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
Hospital pediatric units are gearing up for a triple threat. In addition to COVID-19, they are preparing to see young patients with respiratory infections from respiratory syncytial virus and the flu.
"We are expecting to have a surge of COVID cases in children," said Dr. Susan Lipton, with Sinai Hospital. "We are starting to see some of it now. We expect to see more of it when people have their last fling of the summer and Labor Day, and then go back to school, especially in areas where they are not planning on masking."
According to medical experts, equipment, tests and drugs should not be an issue, but staffing and pediatric beds are a concern.
"We are actively monitoring the numbers of children in hospital beds across the state and coordinating especially with those hospitals that have critical care capacity for children," Delbridge said.
According to MIEMSS, there are 271 staffed pediatric care beds statewide. Currently, 204 are occupied. Out of the 61 pediatric beds available in Baltimore, 52 are occupied and respiratory infections are part of the reason why. RSV usually strikes in the fall or early spring. As of last week, there were almost 100 cases of RSV reported in Maryland...
Concern grows over Maryland hospitals reaching capacity to treat children
WBAL Updated: 6:12 PM EDT Aug 18, 2021
BALTIMORE —
There's growing concern in Maryland that hospitals could reach capacity when it comes to accepting children -- and the fears aren't only because of COVID-19.
Hospitals are preparing for a surge of COVID-19 cases in children. According to state data, new COVID-19 cases among children 9 years and younger averages 91 per day. That's compared to 22 per day in July.
"I think there is a concern that we could reach the hospitals' capacity to take care of children," said Dr. Ted Delbridge, executive director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
Hospital pediatric units are gearing up for a triple threat. In addition to COVID-19, they are preparing to see young patients with respiratory infections from respiratory syncytial virus and the flu.
"We are expecting to have a surge of COVID cases in children," said Dr. Susan Lipton, with Sinai Hospital. "We are starting to see some of it now. We expect to see more of it when people have their last fling of the summer and Labor Day, and then go back to school, especially in areas where they are not planning on masking."
According to medical experts, equipment, tests and drugs should not be an issue, but staffing and pediatric beds are a concern.
"We are actively monitoring the numbers of children in hospital beds across the state and coordinating especially with those hospitals that have critical care capacity for children," Delbridge said.
According to MIEMSS, there are 271 staffed pediatric care beds statewide. Currently, 204 are occupied. Out of the 61 pediatric beds available in Baltimore, 52 are occupied and respiratory infections are part of the reason why. RSV usually strikes in the fall or early spring. As of last week, there were almost 100 cases of RSV reported in Maryland...