The new Covid-19 variant i.e omicron has strengthened its presence all over the United States and the city of Oklahoma is no exception. Amidst such a tense situation, the healthcare system in the city is struggling a lot. With a surge in the number of hospitalizations due to Covid-19, there are hardly any beds or ICUs vacant in the city of Oklahoma.
The Shattering Healthcare System Of Oklahoma
While the paramedic staff is trying its best to help keep afloat the city’s healthcare system, it would no longer be possible to do if the hospitals continue to get bloated with patients at such a pace.
This issue was put forth in a letter issued by the chief medical officers of the four major hospitals of the city; SSM health St. Anthony, Integris Health, Oklahoma University Health, and Mercy hospital namely.
Adding more to the concern, as the number of hospitalizations surges, it becomes really hard to provide care to anyone let alone those not affected by Covid-19. Though, a considerable amount of cases must be of Covid-19 but still there is a constant need for healthcare services for people suffering from other health issues as well. And if such a condition drags out, the city’s hospitals find themselves unfit to provide care to all those in need in the near future.
Furthermore, the onset of such a situation was seen on Monday morning when around 107 patients in the city of Oklahoma were waiting to occupy beds in emergency rooms. SSM health St. Anthony claims to possess 300 fewer beds in comparison to last year while the number of patients infected with Covid-19 remains the same and is even expected to increase sooner. Such a situation gives a glimpse of what could happen in the near future and to what extent as well. The number of Covid-19 cases soared high in the city of Oklahoma with an average of 10,000+ cases per day, which adds up to the total number of active cases estimating around 110,000 or more. This data was put forth by the State’s health department and expresses the seriousness of the condition in the region.
Also, as healthcare workers tend to patients, they themselves get infected at times and end up in quarantine. This results in staff shortages and worsens the situation. In such times, people are advised to take utmost care of themselves and if they were to get tested; they are suggested to rush to community test centers and leave emergency rooms for people in more need of it. In addition to this, the letter released by the chief medical officers requested people to cooperate in such tough times and play their role from their end by taking necessary precautions. They advised people to get vaccinated and maintain social distancing at all times.
The letter also insisted on people be polite towards healthcare workers. As for the past 2 years, cases of violence against healthcare workers have surged high. At such times, we must understand the fact that our caregivers have their best interest at heart for us and they deserve gratitude from our side, not violence.
