Local physician Dr. Brian Bluth said his concerns for COVID patients are intensifying quickly as bed space and nursing care is diminishing.
While trying to transfer COVID patients in need of ventilators he discovered there were no hospital beds available in Oklahoma hospitals for additional COVID patients. Weatherford Regional Hospital is managed by SSM ands also told Bluth they do not have any hospital bed space for COVID patients in Oklahoma City.
Bluth then looked to neighboring states such as Kansas, Arkansas, New Mexico for hospital space and found the same response. Ultimately he found a hospital north of Houston who would take his patient but then discovered he could not secure medical transportation to the hospital.
“I am more than frustrated and many of my fellow doctors feel the same way. To me it feels like a collapse of the health care system. There is just not enough services available to handle the large number of cases,” Bluth said.
At a conference Monday Gov. Kevin Stitt brought attention to hospital capacity across the state.
“We’ve built up capacity in our hospitals, we are working to make sure hospitals can take care of everyone who gets sick, which goes for COVID-19 or any other sicknesses which might need hospitalization,” Gov. Stitt said.
Oklahoma Health Commissioner Lance Frye was asked about hospital capacity during the conference.
“When we talk about hospital capacity, we’re talking about staff capacity which can change by the hour because there might be a shift change, whatever the case may be there are periods of time when patients are waiting on rooms, we are working very closely with hospital CEO’s on monitoring patient capacity,” Frye said.
Cases in Custer County continue to be on the rise and two deaths were reported this weekend. Bluth said he feels like it is all happening at once. With bloodshot eyes from spending the weekend in the E.R. with families, he said it is exhausting.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has reported two additional COVID-19-related deaths for Custer County during the weekend, both in Weatherford, bringing the death total to 11 for the county.
Weatherford Public Schools reported Saturday the district has 15 positive cases among faculty, staff and students — or 0.59 percent of the district’s population. Currently, about 4.5 percent, or 114 students and staff, are in quarantine.
Along with the numbers, the district released a statement from Interim Superintendent Steve Callen. Callen encouraged everyone to take precautions and wear masks when unable to social distance.
“Although we do not feel it is necessary to switch to the alternative plan at this time, we are asking you to help us prepare if it does become necessary in the future,” Callen said. “We all hope this will not be needed, but we must be proactive. Our hope is by emphasizing the importance of taking appropriate precautions now, we can maintain an in-person learning environment.”
Custer County has 277 active COVID-19 cases, putting it in the red category on the COVID-19 alert system. Clinton is leading the county for cases with 164 active. However, Clinton only has two deaths. Weatherford has 79 active cases and eight deaths.
Bluth said when calling other hospitals for a transfer he and other doctors have to document those hospitals who cannot accept a COVID patient and for what reasons.
“The problem is that we have patients who need to be on oxygen and need an ICU bed to handle their severe symptoms. We are frazzled and concerned about what can happen as numbers ramp up again,” Bluth said.
Bluth said the vaccine looks very promising but the effects of the vaccine lessening the stress on health care systems is many months away. He said we still have a long way to go.
Bluth said the best plan of action is still to wear mask and follow procedures of cleaning hands, social distancing. In addition with the upswing in positive cases he is encouraging people to avoid any gathering where people might be shoulder to shoulder.
Many health care providers are citing diminished rapid test kits but the PCR tests are still readily available. In Weatherford citizens with symptoms or possible exposure can contact Express Wellness, Weatherford Regional Hospital, Custer County Health Department in Weatherford and the Clinton Indian Health Center.
Gov. Stitt also made a mandate for all state employees to where masks, including the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and the Oklahoma Senate.
In a press releases provided by the house and senate, both made statements regarding the mask mandate.
Starting Tuesday, Oklahoma House of Representatives space in the Capitol will have a mask policy consistent with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s executive order concerning masks for state buildings and employees.
“Because executive orders do not apply to the legislative branch, the House will observe the same mask policy the governor set for the rest of government. It’s a reasonable precaution with case counts rising in Oklahoma County and statewide,” House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka said.
In partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the house has been developing multiple health and safety protocols for the upcoming legislative session, which begins with Organizational Day January 5, followed by the beginning of session February 1.
Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said “Masks are an effective way to slow the transmission of COVID-19, and each of us should wear one when appropriate. I appreciate Gov. Stitt for taking measures to protect public health. This is a serious disease. We should all take it seriously and take the necessary steps to protect our neighbors and ourselves. The Senate will observe the governor’s executive order in an effort to protect the health and safety of those who work in the Capitol and those who may visit.”