Mid-Ohio Valley hospitals are feeling the pinch of an early begin to the flu season and an increase in RSV infections because the spectrum of COVID-19 continues as effectively.
Memorial Well being System, which incorporates Marietta Memorial and Selby Basic Hospitals in Marietta in addition to Sistersville Basic Hospital, has seen an inflow of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and flu instances in latest weeks, stated Jennifer Offenberger, vice chairman affiliate. , Excellence of service.
New COVID instances in Washington and surrounding counties have elevated in latest weeks, however Memorial continues “common of 10 hospitalized COVID sufferers at any given time” she stated.
Memorial Emergency Departments in Marietta and at its Belpre campus have needed to make temporary detours “a few occasions within the final two weeks, however not on the identical time”, Offenberger stated. Deviation is when the division has “a big quantity of sufferers and there aren’t sufficient services and sources to look after extra at the moment”, she stated.
Nonetheless, a affected person in important situation, comparable to a coronary heart assault, stroke or different life-threatening trauma, will probably be accepted, whether or not on shunt or not, Offenberger stated.
Memorial tries to not make frequent detours, Offenberger stated, and has typically discovered itself accepting sufferers from different hospitals in periods of a excessive COVID census.
“Nonetheless, there are occasions when it appears essential (to go to the detour) to ensure excellent care,” she stated.
Memorial CEO Scott Cantley tries to collaborate with different hospitals in an effort to make sure they aren’t concurrently on diversion, “in order that we are able to work collectively for our area”, Offenberger stated.
Officers at smaller hospitals within the area stated they’ve felt an influence however haven’t been overburdened.
“We’re seeing it to some extent, however we’re feeling it extra that we will not get our sufferers to a better degree of care.” stated Roane Basic Hospital CEO Doug Bentz. “It is quite a bit just like the COVID days, you are feeling it.”
Roane does not have an intensive care unit and must switch sufferers to services in locations like Parkersburg, Charleston or Morgantown for that and different superior ranges of care, he stated.
Earlier within the week, a WVU Drugs Camden Clark official stated there had been a number of instances of diversion not too long ago, however no single, root trigger. Further data was not instantly obtainable Thursday afternoon.
Minnie Hamilton Well being System in Calhoun County can be seeing flu and RSV instances. However, “We have not seen the numerous influence that appears to be being reported throughout the state,” stated Eric Ritchie, director of operations.
