Smithfield, NC – Coronavirus cases are on the rise across North Carolina, and hospitals in the area are running out of space.
On Monday, a new record was set for people treated for COVID-19 in state hospitals, at 3,192. He also saw Johnston County Health reach full capacity in both Clayton and Smithfield hospitals.
“It’s just that there aren’t enough nurses to go and take care of all the patients,” said Johnston Chief Medical Officer Rodney McCaskill.
Despite the increase in the number of patients, the number of employees remains the same.
“I think if you asked me the question that keeps me up at night, [it] it’s about our staff. If you can imagine your patients there working and because they work so hard and tirelessly every day, then you have to get up and come back the next day, ”said Tom Williams, CEO and President of Johnston Health.
“We get to a point where there will be no resources available if we bring in more patients,” McCaskill added.
Elsewhere, Cape Fear Valley Health is getting closer and closer to 100% capacity. The medical director, Dr. Sam Fleishman, does not hide his anxiety.
“We are very concerned about what this means for our ability to take care of people, now and in the coming months,” Fleishman said. “It was difficult, our staff is large. Everyone works hard. Everyone is looking to attract and use every resource to take care of everyone we can. “
Currently, in North Carolina, it is expected that 21% of those hospitalized will have or be suspected of having COVID. Christmas and New Year gatherings, doctors and health officials are preparing for an even larger number in the coming weeks.
“It’s getting to a time of crisis, whether it was a tsunami or a hurricane, I’d say it’s hitting right now,” Fleishman said. “The damage is here (and) we are dealing with the urgency of trying to manage this, except that it is much longer than a hurricane. To be continued. “
“We are certainly facing an increase in Thanksgiving,” McCaskill said. “Our concern, which we anticipated, is most likely gatherings that took place next Christmas and New Year.”
In addition, Fleishman says the overwhelming number is leading to a shortage of health care – a problem that many other parts of the country face.
“I would like people to think about this pandemic, as I think, as our population did when we were in World War II or the Great Depression,” he said. “Everyone had to to intensify its role and we need everyone to do their part. ”