BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Baylor Scott & White Health officials said that if they continue to see a sudden increase in patients and ICU occupancy rates continue to rise, “they will not be able to meet the demand for non-COVID care”
The admission comes after the Sanitary District of the Municipality of Brazos reported that the ICU beds in the municipality had 104% occupancy on Thursday. In written statements, Baylor Scott & White Health and St. Joseph Health emphasize the need to follow community health guidelines to relieve pressure on hospital resources.
KBTX requested a camera interview with the two hospital systems, but was informed that no one was available. Instead, each sent a written statement. You can read them in full at the end of this article.
Baylor Scott & White said his hospitalization rate, including the number of patients in his intensive care unit, is the highest since the pandemic began. The statement said they are implementing the first phase of their emergency plans to accommodate patients in need of intensive care. They warn that if this pattern continues, “they may not be able to meet non-COVID health needs”.
“We can avoid this if we change the course now,” the statement said.
St. Joseph Health said in a statement that they are busy, but remain “stable and able to care for all patients who need hospital-level care”. The ICU’s capacity at St. Joseph Health varies throughout the day, they said in their statement.
“Reports that we are at or above capacity do not indicate that we do not have the resources to care for our community,” said the statement.
“If the situation continues to get worse,” they wrote, “St. Joseph Health has an emergency plan in place to ensure that care is provided for those in need of hospital-level care. “
Here is the full statement from St. Joseph Health:
“St. Joseph Health is agitated, as usual, especially at this time of year; however, we remain stable and able to care for all patients who need hospital-level care. Our ICU capacity fluctuates on a constant basis throughout the day. Reports that we are at or above capacity do not indicate that we do not have the resources to care for our community. If the situation continues to worsen, St. Joseph Health has an emergency plan in place to ensure that care is provided for those in need of hospital care.
At this critical time, we must work together to preserve space in our hospitals. The best way to do this is to follow public health guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Remember this simple recipe: Don’t share your air. Wear a mask, social distance and get the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you. “
Here is the full statement from Baylor Scott & White Health – College Station:
For months, our healthcare system has prepared to meet the anticipated needs of this pandemic and has emergency plans in place to successfully manage the ability to continue treating patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19.
Our hospitalization rate – including the number of patients being treated in our intensive care unit (ICU) – is higher today than at any other time in the pandemic. We have implemented the first phase of our emergency plans to accommodate patients in need of intensive care.
If the current increase continues and our ICU occupancy rate continues to increase, our medical center may be unable to meet the demand for non-COVID health needs. We can avoid this if we change course now.
To continue ensuring that our hospitals are ready for those who need the most care during this period, we ask the public to embrace a sense of urgency in following the recommended guidelines for physical distance, masking and good hand hygiene practice as we approach of the New Year. We know that these security measures can be difficult, but they are proven measures to prevent the virus from spreading.
The safety and well-being of our community begins with each member and the decisions each makes. Each member of the community has a role to play in preventing hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units, while protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.
Baylor Scott & White will continue to do whatever is necessary to meet the health needs of our community. “
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