Smithfield, NC – Coronavirus cases are on the rise across North Carolina and hospitals in the region are short of space.
Monday saw a new record high for people treated for COVID-19 in hospitals across the state, at 3,192. It also saw Johnston County Health reach its maximum capacity in both its Clayton and Smithfield hospitals.
“There just aren’t enough nurses to take care of all the patients,” said Dr. Rodney McCaskill, Johnston Health’s Chief Medical Officer.
Despite the increase in the number of patients, the number of employees remains the same.
“I think if you ask me the question that keeps me up at night, [it] is about our staff. If you can imagine the patients working with and for that, they work so hard and tirelessly every day and then you have to get up and come back the next day, ”said Tom Williams, CEO and President Johnston Health.
“It gets to a point where there will be no resources available as more patients come in,” added McCaskill.
Elsewhere, Cape Fear Valley Health is getting closer to 100% capacity. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sam Fleishman does not hide his unease.
“We are very concerned about what that means for our ability to care for people now and in the coming months,” said Fleishman. “It has been tough, our staff has been stretched. They all work very hard. Everyone wants to attract and use all resources to take care of everyone we can. “
Currently in North Carolina, 21% of people admitted to hospital are expected to have or are suspected of having COVID. During the Christmas and New Year gatherings, doctors and health officials prepare for even greater numbers in the coming weeks.
“It’s getting to a crisis point, if this was a tsunami or hurricane I would say it’s hitting now,” Fleishman said. “The damage is here (and) we’re dealing with the emergency to manage that, except it’s much longer than a hurricane. It goes on. “
“We’ve definitely been dealing with a wave since Thanksgiving,” McCaskill said. “Our concern, which we have anticipated, is most likely gatherings that took place over Christmas and the upcoming New Year.”
In addition, Fleishman says the overwhelming numbers are leading to nursing shortages – a problem affecting many other parts of the country as well.
“I would like people to think about this pandemic as I think, as our population did when we were in World War II or during the time of the Great Depression,” he said. “Everyone had to come forward and do their part, and we need everyone to do their part.”