Northern Michigan hospital officials say COVID hospitalizations have increased almost to surge levels… while the hospitals are full with other patients. e.
In northwest lower Michigan, daily new cases are approaching what they were in December last year.
And Northern Michigan’s largest hospital network, Munson Healthcare, says the number of open ICU and pediatric beds are in the single digits.
Its Chief Medical Office, Doctor Christine Nefcy said that’s especially concerning as they’re entering their busiest season for viruses.
“With a staffing shortage… along with a surge of pandemic numbers... along with a very busy caseload anyway... it’s sort of the perfect storm. So a lot of us are struggling in having to manage beds on a case by case basis.”
Doctor Nefcy said they’re considering whether to delay some procedures to keep beds open.