Following another record-setting weekend in terms of new COVID-19 cases across Kansas, hospital bed space is becoming an increasing concern for state leaders.
During her weekly news conference Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly says it is becoming more evident that space for COVID-19 patients is quickly running out in hospitals across the state. She stated during her comments that Wichita’s two largest medical facilities are “full up” at this time with the majority of beds being taken up by positive coronavirus patients.
Kelly would go on to say that if the current capacity trends continue, Kansans will likely not have immediate access to medical services that many desperately need.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman would then go on to state the concerns are not limited to bed space in hospitals alone. He says additional concerns also center on staff availability and transfers of patients between hospitals.
According to Norman the lines of communication between local hospitals and KDHE are “very open” at this time. He says that communication needs to continue.
Norman would go on to say KDHE is working diligently with hospital leaders to identify temporary staff solutions as well as solutions to other present issues. Additionally, Norman encouraged all residents to make sure they have received their annual influenza vaccination.
He says influenza is also contributing to the lack of bed space on top of COVID-19 cases and while there is still much unknown about the coronavirus, influenza is an illness we can do something about.
Prior to these comments, Governor Laura Kelly did take time to recognize both Lyon and Jefferson County Commissioners for their recent action to implement county-wide mask mandates. Kelly says mask usage is still a powerful tool in the toolbox as it pertains to slowing the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state.
Governor Kelly is scheduled to hold her next news conference next Wednesday at 4 pm.
