Prince Albert Victoria Hospital. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

COVID-19

SHA planning for field hospitals to cope with extent of COVID-19

Mar 24, 2020 | 2:17 PM

It’s suggested COVID-19 will affect 30 per cent of the province, and the government is reviewing whether community rinks, arenas and school gyms could serve as field hospitals to meet the growing need for hospital beds.

“Based on what we know from other jurisdictions, it is critical we act immediately to expand acute care capacity to mitigate the impact of COVID-19,” Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) CEO Scott Livingstone said in a media release. “Demand will exceed capacity. All jurisdictions are facing this challenge. We are not alone. We are acting immediately to ensure Saskatchewan residents get the care they need from the right provider, at the right time, with the right supports in place.”

Based on other jurisdictions, it’s suggested the virus will require hospitalization for thousands. Modelling based on those jurisdictions suggest 30 per cent of the province will be affected and is being updated to ensure it is specific to the situation in Saskatchewan.

“Under any scenario, it is critical that we continue to act to escalate our tactics to meet the potential demand,” Livingstone said. “That is why we are stepping up actions on an ongoing basis to do our part in ensuring the safety of Saskatchewan people.”

To help meet demands, the province has already slowed down non-essential services to increase bed availability and preserve supplies. There is support for a labour pool for reallocation already underway.

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The SHA is working on plans to create additional capacity through creating dedicated spaces for COVID-19 patients within facilities, creating COVID-19 designated hospitals in Regina and Saskatoon and other areas of the province where required, creating additional community based acute care capacity where its required, such as field hospitals in school gyms, rinks or community centres.

“This plan will ensure we are prepared,” Livingstone said. “But it won’t be enough; it has been proven over and over with this virus that no health system in the world can address this challenge alone without the sustained help of the general public.”

To help, everyone must take the following actions:

-Practice good hygiene and wash hands regularly

-Practice social distancing — be two metres apart whenever possible

-Abide by provincial and local travel, self-isolation and gathering restrictions

-Use medical supplies effectively and efficiently to ensure they are there if you need them

-Do not visit hospitals or long-term care homes unless it is for compassionate reasons

The province established an Emergency Operations Centre, and there are Integrated Health Incident Command Centres for each SHA service area.

Those command centres will be accountable to finalize and deploy services and surge capacity plans on a local level. Changes to services and service locations are already happening and will be ongoing as the province adapts to increased capacity to the health system. Communities will be updated as changes occur.

“We strongly urge every resident in Saskatchewan to abide by the restrictions, guidelines and orders enacted by the Government of Saskatchewan, and help our province slow the rate of transmission of this virus,” SHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Susan Shaw said. “The success of preventive measures will have a direct impact on health system demand for hospital care. The actions of the public will help save lives and ensure our health system is there for when you need it, regardless of the circumstance.”

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panews@jpbg.ca