Faced with the current health crisis, the Bagnols-sur-Cèze Hospital Center has adopted a series of measures to cope with the large influx of patients. Jean-Philippe Sajus, director of the establishment, detailed the level 1 internal mobilization plan (2 levels exist, level 2 being the white plan with massive deprogramming), which aims to readjust emergency reception capacities .
An unprecedented flow of patients
The emergencies of Bagnols-sur-Cèze are currently experiencing saturation, with a daily passage of more than 80 patients, compared to a usual average of 60. “We mainly welcome elderly patients in need of oxygen, whom we cannot send back to home,” explains Jean-Philippe Sajus. As a result, emergency room wait times jumped from three to eight hours.
To compensate for this overflow, temporary adjustments have been put in place. The services are trying to double the rooms and make it easier for patients to leave. For example, when EHPAD patients arrive at the hospital, everything is done to reintegrate them into their original establishment as quickly as possible.
Safe surgery and readjustments
Despite the pressure, certain hospital activities are protected, notably orthopedic and visceral surgery. However, the general surgery department now welcomes patients from other departments, due to a lack of beds available for full hospitalization. “We cannot push the walls, but we do everything to maintain everyone’s care,” emphasizes the director.
A virulent flu epidemic
The current influenza epidemic, carried by the A variant, is hitting the region hard. “Many people do not feel concerned about the flu vaccine, which complicates the situation,” regrets Jean-Philippe Sajus. Although the vaccine does not completely prevent contamination, it reduces the virulence of the disease.
-Flu-like conditions and respiratory decompensations represent a significant proportion of emergency admissions. “Bobology must be oriented towards general practitioners, while we prioritize cases of respiratory distress,” he specifies. Recalling at the same time that each emergency admission must have previously been the subject of a call to center 15.
Return to compulsory mask wearing
In response to this critical situation, the hospital has reintroduced compulsory mask wearing for everyone since yesterday. Although entry into the establishment is not prohibited, access to services remains strictly regulated to limit the risk of spread.
Management under tension
The crisis also impacts hospital staff, with many caregivers affected by the epidemic. “We are working on a tight schedule to ensure the replacement of absent agents,” recognizes Jean-Philippe Sajus. A crisis unit meets every 24 hours to adjust human and material resources.
Finally, we remind you that anyone wishing to go to the emergency room must first go through Center 15 or consult their attending physician, in order to decongest hospital services.
