Local hospitals could face strain as early viral infections swamp pediatrics: CPS
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Loading... - Lucas Wilson
- 02 Nov 2022
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An early surge in viral infections could indicate tough months ahead for already-struggling local hospitals, the Canadian Paediatric Society said Thursday, as some children’s hospitals are running over capacity and reporting high wait times.
Dr. Sam Wong, the association’s director of medical affairs, said pediatric units across Canada are seeing increased admissions and heavier workloads as hospitals report an earlier than usual season of common respiratory illnesses, combined with influenza and COVID-19.
In communities without dedicated pediatric centres, Wong said local hospitals that are already strained by long waits and staff shortages could see more children coming through their emergency departments.
“So, I’m quite concerned that as we move further into the viral season that things are going to get worse,” he said.
“If you don’t have a pediatric emergency and you’re running a general emergency in a smaller centre, those increased numbers of kids coming through will stress the system.”
The Yellowknife-based pediatrician said some doctors believe the increase in admissions could be linked to a large number of kids, previously shielded by COVID-related public health restrictions, now being exposed to some viral infections for the first time. Read More...
