Bluewater Health's top doctor is concerned about the hospital's ability to manage the latest wave of COVID-19.
Lambton Public Health reported Wednesday that the community's rate of infection per 100,000 population climbed to 355 for the week of December 19 to 25, up from 126.3 the week before. Active cases increased to 532.
Hospital Chief of Staff Dr. Mike Haddad said one of the issues with managing this wave, aside from the number of patients, is ensuring they're adequately staffed.
"And many of our staff have either been exposed or infected, given that [COVID] is all over the community," said Haddad. "That's one of the added stresses that I think goes beyond the healthcare sector. You've seen it affecting the airline industry, for example. I think all sectors of society, for the next two, three weeks, will be facing some staffing issues if people are exposed."
Bluewater Health reported 17 COVID positive patients in hospital Wednesday, the majority being unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Haddad said we need higher levels of immunity to the virus.
"Ongoing restrictions and lockdowns are not going to fix this, to be honest with you. We need to be immune to the virus and move on with life. So, if you haven't been vaccinated, please get vaccinated -- it does help tremendously. We need to make this virus a cold, a common cold. We don't shut down society down over a common cold, but we're not there yet."
Haddad said just like the rest of the community, the hospital can't wait for this pandemic to end.
"We need the help of everyone to break the chain of transmission, reduce the number in the community, which will help everyone from staffing to patient load as well, so we can move on with life. I'm really hoping that this is the end of it, but I don't have a crystal ball."
Dr. Michel Haddad, Chief of Professional Staff, Bluewater Health, Adjunct Professor, Western University. Submitted photo.
