OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — As COVID-19 cases increase across the Midwest, some question if Nebraska’s healthcare system can handle the influx of patients.
Dr. Cliff Robertson with CHI Health says their system’s capacity is constantly changing, adding they are always prepared for more patients as current COVID-19 data is trending upwards.
According to Robertson, CHI Health currently has 87 COVID patients. 33 of those are in the ICU with seven using ventilators. He says 10 individuals are hospitalized and currently awaiting test results.
CHI Health has no plans to use surge tents, as the hospital system has plenty of space to place more patients, according to Dr. Robertson.
“We have actually put in orders for more staff, so that we are prepared should the trends continue up over the next three or four weeks,” Dr. Robertson says.
He adds CHI Health has no plans as of now to stop elective surgeries.
Robertson reminds us that mask-wearing, social distance and hand washing helps keep people safe, as well as limits the amount of people needing to stay in the hospital.
“It’s been a long six months and I think it’s safe to say that they are fatigued,” Dr. Robertson says. “We are fatigued. I think everybody is getting a little tired of this pandemic.”