A survey of Nebraska hospitals on Monday reported only 21 percent of the intensive care beds were available and rural hospitals that were running out of room were having trouble finding places they could transfer patients to.
If the current COVID-19 spread trend continues the total number of cases in Nebraska is expected to double every three weeks. This trend alarms hospital officials who are wondering how they can treat not only the COVID patients but their regular load of patients with more normal problems like accidents and heart attacks.
In recent days Brodstone Memorial Hospital’s chief executive officer, Treg Vyzourek prepared the following statement and asked that we help distribute it. In short it is a plea asking area residents to help control the spread of the virus.
Editor:
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in our community, I am deeply troubled as to what the future may bring unless we take action very soon.
Brodstone Memorial Hospital is vital to this community; however, the impacts of this pandemic are putting both our healthcare workers and ourpatients at risk. Our hospital staff has the potential of being stretched and pushed to the limit to where we will not have the ability to take care of our community in the manner that our patients have become accustomed to. We have a loyal and dedicated team of men and women working here.
However, whether you work in healthcare or not, we all know the impact COVID-19 has taken on our lives both mentally and physically this year. Working in full personal protective equipment is not easy and can be extremely draining for our health care workers; however, it is necessary to protect their own health so that they can continue to care for our patients.
If the positivity rates do not slow down, there is concern about our availability to manage patients, whether they have contracted COVID-19 or not. We have a limited supply of beds and resources. Statewide, hospitals have the potential to face the extremely difficult decisions in terms of who gets needed care and who may have to wait.
So, what’s next? It’s actually very simple. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain six feet of social
distance and avoid the 3Cs (crowded places, close contacts and confined spaces). These preventative measures are important and can significantly curb the spread.
With the holidays fast approaching, it’s even more important to do your part. By taking preventative actions now, we can protect our family and friends from this deadly virus.
I implore you as a resident of this community to help us put an end to COVID-19 in Nebraska.
Treg Vyzourek, CEO
Brodstone Memoiral Hospital
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