Beaumont hospitals have 750 COVID patients, 430 workers infected with the virus

DEARBORN, Mich. – Beaumont Health reports that healthcare is at a ‘breaking point’, with more than 750 COVID patients currently in its hospitals and more than 430 employees showing symptoms.

Hospital system officials said 62% of COVID patients at its eight hospitals are unvaccinated. Only 8% of patients received their booster injection.

Beaumont officials have said community action is “more critical than ever.”

Due to the spread of the highly contagious variant of omicron, there has been a 40% increase in the number of COVID patients treated in Beaumont over the past week, according to a statement.

“The omicron variant is one of the most contagious viruses that we have seen in our lifetime,” said Dr. Nick Gilpin, medical director of infection prevention and epidemiology at Beaumont Health. “It is more important than ever for the community to help contain the spread of this disease. Our health systems are overwhelmed.

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“If you have ignored our pleas for help before, now is the time to act. We need everyone’s help to get through this fourth wave. Wear a mask. To get vaccinated. Be boosted.

Elective procedures

This week, Beaumont management asked each hospital to seriously consider reducing elective surgeries, imaging and outpatient testing, the statement said.

“By limiting elective medical care, the health system will be able to devote more staff to caring for patients who require hospital care,” the statement said. “This includes COVID patients, trauma, oncology and acute medical issues. “

Visiting rules

Due to rising COVID positivity rates, Beaumont recently adjusted its visiting policy to protect patients, staff and visitors.

Patients who do not have symptoms of COVID or COVID can still have a support person or a visitor every day, regardless of their immunization status. But under the new guidelines, that person cannot alternate with others throughout the day without receiving prior approval.

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This policy went into effect on Dec. 31 and includes postpartum patients, according to the Beaumont.

“The support of family and friends is important, but so is the protection of our patients and healthcare workers,” said Gilpin. “Our goal is to help everyone get through this latest wave. To achieve this, your compassion and understanding will go a long way. Please be kind to our staff. They are also struggling. They do their best to follow the steps to protect the health and safety of all patients. “

Patients in emergency centers may be accompanied by a support person until they enter the assessment and treatment process. If a support person cannot stay due to installation constraints, they should return to their vehicle.

After a support person joins a patient in their room, they must remain in the room for the duration of the visit, officials said.

Vaccine efficacy

Gilpin said the COVID vaccine remains effective, particularly in preventing the disease from progressing to more serious or fatal consequences.

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He pointed out that more people need booster shots because only 8% of patients at the hospital have received a booster, officials said.

Reinforcements

The US Department of Defense medical team will spend an additional 30 days at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, officials said.

The initial 30-day medical mission was scheduled to end on January 2, but due to the continued increase it was extended.

“They have done a phenomenal job alongside our amazing staff at Dearborn,” said Tom Lanni, COO of Beaumont Dearborn. “We were able to open additional intensive care beds, and our patients and staff really benefited from the expertise that the DOD team brought to our hospital. We feel lucky to be able to work with the members of the DOD team for an additional month.

With some staff changes, the DOD team consists of six RNs assigned to the emergency center, eight RNs assigned to the intensive care units, two respiratory therapists, two advanced practice providers, as well as leaders of the DOD.

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This month, the DOD team will be more present at the Dearborn emergency center, which continued to receive a high volume of COVID and non-COVID patients, according to Beaumont.

How can you help

Here’s what Beaumont officials said community members can do to help:

• To get vaccinated.

• Be boosted.

• Wear a mask.

• Practice social distancing.

• Limit gatherings.

• Stay home if you feel sick.

• Talk to your friends and family and encourage them to take action / get vaccinated / be careful.