this Lot-et-Garonne hospital in tension faced with the lack of beds

The flu epidemic has been wreaking havoc in France since December 2024. In New Aquitaine, as in the rest of the territory, the alert level remains at “epidemic red” for a fifth week, according to the latest Public Health France bulletin, published on January 16, 2025.

At the regional level, it is particularly noted “an increase in activity indicators in the city” as well as an “increase in emergency activity among children under 5 years old only”. Next to 3.3% of visits to emergencys from January 6 to 12, 2025 were affected by flu-like illnesses.

Patients waiting in the Marmande emergency room

On the side of the Marmande-Tonneins Intercommunal Hospital Center (CHIC MT), in Lot-et-Garonne, the situation is currently under control. “We are not particularly overwhelmed by the epidemic,” comments Philippe Meyer, director of the establishment.

This does not mean, however, that the Marmande hospital is not under tension. “What worries us most is everything else”continues the director. “We are overloaded, we currently have many hospitalizations. »

A bed is very precious these days. We are as full as an egg.

Emergencies remain relatively spared since this Thursday, January 16, 2025, 44 visits to the emergency room were recorded compared to a usual average of 60 daily visits. “This led to 8 hospitalizations,” explains Philippe Meyer.

Traumatology and surgery services are particularly under pressure. ” We have people waiting in the emergency room to get a bed. We have to host between services. »

The white plan is not triggered at Marmande hospital

The director believes that this situation is “very seasonal” and that there are “tensions in winter on our beds. »

While hospitals in France have triggered their white planallowing in particular to cancel non-urgent operations or to recall staff on leave, Marmande hospital is not at this stage and also takes all measures to avoid it.

“We have put in place mandatory barrier measures for caregivers, patients and visitors alike. The objective is to avoid an epidemic peak of various respiratory viruses in the hospital. »

According to the hospital director, the height of the flu epidemic is, for its part, “estimated at around ten days according to Public Health France. » A period during which it will therefore be crucial to scrupulously respect barrier gestures.

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