King’s Daughter CEO: Surge of COVID-19 patients putting stress on hospital, ICU numbers triple in recent days

Published 9:21 am Friday, December 4, 2020

The CEO of King’s Daughter Medical Center said the local healthcare system has been challenged and stressed by a fall surge of COVID-19.

CEO Alvin Hoover posted his observations of the current state of COVID-19 at the medical center and in the region.

“So, is there a fall surge of COVID 19, and is it challenging KDMC and the healthcare system in Lincoln County? Absolutely!” Hoover wrote.

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Hoover gave statistics about the current state of the medical center.

“COVID has pushed KDMC to care for twice the numbers of patients typically treated. This week alone there were 20 COVID patients in the hospital. ICU patient volumes have tripled and many COVID ICU patients require mechanical ventilation,” Hoover wrote. “The number of COVID patients for December is expected to remain high.”

Hospitals across the state are experiencing the same challenges and that has put stress on the King’s Daughter, Hoover wrote.

“Our emergency room volume is rising. Transfers from our ER to hospitals with higher levels of care is increasingly difficult. Pre-COVID, one or two calls to a hospital were all it took. Now we are calling 10 plus hospitals and still not finding a bed. Transfers for COVID patients from our ER or ICU to higher levels of care are nearly impossible because larger hospitals across the state are full.”

https://www.facebook.com/KingsDaughtersMedicalCenter/posts/4136961419664579

Despite the challenges, Hoover said the hospital staff is battling every day to give the best care possible.

“Our staff, despite their own fears, stresses and strains, battle every day to make sure every patient gets the best care,” Hoover wrote. “They come back for their next shift and face the challenges and risks all over again. KDMC has responded to the COVID challenges. We are committed to taking care of our community.”

Hoover asked residents to commit to do three simple things:

1. Wear a mask. It helps limit the spread.
2. Wash your hands for 20 seconds.
3. Watch your distance by maintaining a 6 – 8 feet separation from other people.

“It’s not just about us. It is about our loved ones, especially those who are older or have chronic medical conditions. COVID can be a fatal infection for them,” Hoover wrote. “Finally, we ask you to pray for us, and pray for our patients. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us …God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.