Hospitals Are Reaching Full Capacity While Understaffed

December 16, 2020

It looks like we are starting to catch a glimpse of what the next couple of months could potentially look like. An article published by the Arizona Mirror, written by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy and titled, "Arizona Hospitals and Their ICUs Are Understaffed, Reaching Capacity" mentions that the data released recently by the federal government, several hospitals in Arizona have intensive care units that are understaffed while more hospitals across the state are nearing full capacity as ICU beds are filled with COVID-19 patients.

Further data shows the burden being put on hospitals due to the coronavirus across the entire state reaching and surpassing occupancy levels not seen since its peak in July. According to the data hospitals report received by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center only had 58% of its ICU beds occupied in the final week of November. In a statement to Arizona Mirror, HonorHealth officials said they are monitoring bed capacity, equipment, and staffing to ensure they can safely treat any potential COVID-19 patients. The medical center works closely with state and local experts and reminds our fellow Arizonans to wear a mask, social distance, and follow all health guidelines. Thankfully, the hospital's capacity is at 64%, which is much lower than other hospitals in the state.

One of the hospitals with the highest cases is the Northwest Medical Center, which reported to HHS that it was at 92% capacity as well as its ICU patients being COVID-19 positive. Their ICU is understaffed and only 59% of its ICU beds are operational. The director of the Arizona Public Health Association, Will Humble, said the long-term issue has always been staffing. Due to the understaffing, hospitals will most likely ask their staff to begin working six to seven days a week including canceling holidays.

If you would like to learn more, please click on the link provided above or here: "Arizona Hospitals and Their ICUs Are Understaffed, Reaching Capacity."