A peak in hospital admissions is expected in the first two weeks of April
The University Medical Center (UMCG) in Groningen thinks that the largest number of COVID-19 Coronavirus patients will be hospitalised in the first two weeks of April. All hospitals in the Northern Netherlands have been able to prepare well: “With maximum effort it should be possible to handle Corona”, said the Peter van der Voorst, Head of the Intensive Care department at the UMCG, reports RTV Noord.
Regarding the numbers requiring hospitalisation, Van der Voorst said “I think it will be between a hundred and two hundred. That’s a very rough estimate.”
At the moment there are only 12 Coronavirus patients at the UMCG, and all are from outside the Province of Groningen. In addition, more than twenty patients are in intensive care for other reasons.
This does mean that the Intensive Care department is nearly at capacity, but Van der Voort says that this is quite normal: “we always run on this number of beds.”
The UMCG is continuing to care for patients from the South of The Netherlands. “The problem is bigger than a regional problem. It is our duty to provide help”, said Van der Voort.
But patients from The North will have priority: “I think it is important to find a balance between patients from the South and our own region. We will make an estimate per day of what beds we have available for the South.” Moreover, he also counts on a reciprocal service, if necessary. “I expect other regions to help us too.”
“We will have to make every effort, but it is realistic that we will make it”, he said. He did sound a note of caution, though: “It’s not just the IC. The regular wards in the hospital will soon also be full of Corona patients. So the rest of the hospital will also be under pressure. ‘
“We almost ask the inhumane of nurses and doctors. They have lost all free time; they are packed all day. These are difficult conditions and it is also emotionally difficult. It is immense pressure on the department. “
Image via The UMCG
