As COVID-19 cases spike in Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles County, local hospitals are grappling with overwhelming patient loads. To manage the influx, some medical facilities have resorted to converting gift shop spaces into treatment areas.
Reports from the L.A. Times indicate that nearly every hospital in the county has been compelled to reroute ambulances, with over 90% redirecting calls on a single Sunday. “This is undeniably a crisis,” states John Richards, the Chief Executive of a local hospital. “The number of patients just keeps rising.”
Intensive care units (ICUs) are reaching critical capacity, with a recent count showing 1,449 ICU patients and just 54 available beds across the entire county. Currently, two-thirds of these ICU beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. “We must be resourceful and think outside the box to utilize our spaces effectively,” Richards adds.
As the situation worsens, there are concerns about potential care rationing, with medical professionals needing to prioritize resources and care efforts. Tragically, many individuals facing treatable conditions may face dire consequences due to the current surge.
“We are at a pivotal moment. If conditions worsen, rationing care could become necessary,” warns Dr. Lily Carter, CEO of a community hospital, who reported 215 patients in a facility designed for 131. Memorial Hospital is currently operating at 140% capacity and recently requested a temporary halt on ambulance arrivals. In addition to repurposing gift shops, conference rooms are being converted for patient care, and medical tents are being erected in parking lots.
“All hospitals are feeling the pressure, but smaller facilities are particularly challenged,” explains Health Services Director Anna Tran. “Many are at a crisis juncture and facing difficult choices regarding patient care.”
Richards emphasizes that the hospital has had to discharge nearly all patients who are not critically ill, focusing instead on outpatient care. “In my 40 years in healthcare, I’ve never witnessed anything like this,” he notes.
Dr. Carter cautions that the anticipated holiday surge may not have fully manifested yet. “If it does, Los Angeles County could mirror what New York faced last April,” she warns.
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Summary:
As COVID-19 cases surge in Los Angeles County, hospitals are overwhelmed and resorting to unconventional solutions, including using gift shop spaces to treat patients. With ICU beds nearly full and potential care rationing on the horizon, medical professionals are facing unprecedented challenges in providing care.