Hospital has record high COVID patients
Photo provided by T.J. Regional Health
Jennifer Moonsong
Division Publisher
Metcalfe and Barren
With a resurgence of COVID cases, T.J. Regional Health officials have reported the number of COVID-19 inpatients has increased 109% in one month.
In August there were 22 positive patients in the hospital, and by September 10th, it had more than doubled with 46 inpatients. Of those 46, 10 are vaccinated. Nine are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
In response to the number of COVID patients, the facility has expanded the ICU and are providing more rooms for inpatients that are not critical as well.
Due to this influx, the emergency room is also overwhelmed, and the hospital is asking that the community help out by seeking the level of care they are in need of, but not overwhelming and already strained emergency room. For example, if you need a COVID test, they asked that you not use the emergency room, but seek a different medical facility.
“The demand is extremely challenging and we ask that you have patience with our team members as they are operating in a high-stress environment,” said a social media post released by the facility.
Other suggestions for the community are the basics, including to continue wearing masks in public, getting vaccinated, and social distancing.
Members of the National Guard have arrived at T.J. Samson to help the overwhelmed staff.
Photo provided by T.J. Regional Health
