UCHealth addresses capacity as hospitalizations rise
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Thursday, UCHealth announced they are caring for 110 patients within the Pikes Peak hospital system diagnosed with COVID-19 or awaiting results. Last week, they reported taking care of 75 patients, also significantly higher than the peak of 57 patients in April.
Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo recently moved 10 patients to UCHealth to alleviate its staff.
Dr. David Steinbruner, associate Chief Medical Officer at UCHealth, said the rise in hospitalizations is partly due to the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
With a lag in hospital data and hospitalization numbers, Dr. Steinbruner said staffing is at a critical level. The hospital system's nurses, doctors, and respiratory therapists are having to pick up additional shifts to compensate.
With employees and staff getting sick or working multiple shifts, UCHealth is providing meals for staff.
Steinbruner said the hospital is now postponing non-emergency procedures and surgeries to allow for beds for sick patients. He said they can continue to adapt as cases fluctuate, but they need the community's help to keep the infection rate low.
