4 Shreveport Hospitals At Max Capacity Due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 crisis is getting worse. The current wave of infections is pushing our medical capabilities to the edge. Health care workers are working an incredible amount of hours to combat rising infection numbers, and with a critical shortage of nurses - it's a strain to keep the health care systems in our area functioning correctly.
Now, KSLA is reporting that 4 of the area's largest hospitals are completely full of patients. According to their interview with Willis-Knighton Health System's chief administrative officer Brian Crawford, all 4 of their facilities are at maximum capacity. The issue is a large influx of new COVID-19 cases after the Thanksgiving holiday combined with the regular seasonal uptick in patients.
Right now, with all of the beds full and shortage of about 120 nurses system-wide - new patients admitted to emergency rooms have to wait there until a bed opens up. Unfortunately, unless the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine turns this situation on its heels - the problem is likely to get worse before it gets better.
With Christmas and New Years just around the corner, and the fact that a significant number of Shreveport/Bossier residents will likely ignore pleas to avoid big family celebrations and parties - health experts fear that even more cases could be on the way soon.
Here are some tips for self-care during the pandemic: