Thu 25 March 2021 11.42 am
DRACHTEN – The coronavirus infections are increasing in the three northern provinces. This increase is expected to continue in the coming weeks. This is reported by the Acute Care Network Northern Netherlands. As a result of the many infections and illness among healthcare workers, the pressure on healthcare in the North remains unabated.
Nationally, the number of corona patients in the ICU has increased by 10% in the past week and therefore the number of Covid IC beds will be scaled up nationally in the coming week from 1350 to 1450 beds. This also has consequences for the northern region. The situation in the northern hospitals thus remains worrisome.
Hospitals in the Northern Netherlands have scaled down their regular care in recent weeks. This means that the necessary capacity is available for both emergency care and Covid care. Despite the scaling down of plannable care, which can be postponed without risk of health damage, the pressure in hospitals in the Northern Netherlands remains high. Every effort is still being made to allow critical, non-postponable care to continue; where there are problems, solutions are sought among themselves in the region
wanted.
Preparation for the third wave
Within the ROAZ North Netherlands, a plan is being finalized in preparation for a so-called “black scenario”. This comes into effect when the pressure on the care chain in the third wave of the COVID pandemic becomes so great that care can no longer be provided properly without adjustments. These preparations concern the entire care chain. “In this way we hope to be well prepared if the pressure on the care chain unexpectedly increases unacceptably further.”
The hope, of course, is that the peak of the third wave will occur lower and later, so that this black scenario can be avoided. “For this it is very important that we adhere to the precautions and that there is a rush in the vaccination program.”
Vaccinations
Vaccination in the three northern provinces continues steadily. GGDs are starting today again with the vaccination of healthcare personnel with AstraZeneca, after the national break that was announced a week and a half ago.
From the beginning of April, the GGDs have planned a major upscaling for the vaccination of the elderly (currently the 75+ group, later the groups below), subject to the delivery of the various vaccines. Everyone would like to see vaccinations go faster, but the nationwide availability of vaccines remains the limiting factor. Planning is still that before July 1, all adults who want to have had a first injection.
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