BREAKING Healthcare News! Lombardy In Italy Bans All Non-Urgent Hospitalizations As Hospitals Overwhelmed With COVID-19 And Flu Admissions!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 01, 2024 10 months, 3 weeks, 15 hours, 33 minutes ago
Healthcare News: In a drastic move to cope with the surging cases of COVID-19 and flu, health officials in Lombardy, Italy, has announced a temporary ban on all non-urgent hospitalizations. The decision aims to alleviate the strain on hospitals grappling with an overwhelming influx of patients seeking emergency care due to flu syndrome or COVID-19 infections. Lombardy, particularly the Metropolitan City of Milan, has witnessed a significant spike in cases over the past 15 days, prompting health authorities to take urgent measures.
Hospitals Overwhelmed In Lombardy-Italy Due To COVID-19 & Flu
This unprecedented move was a result of a meeting between the general directors of the Milanese area and Guido Bertolaso, the regional councilor for Welfare. The decision was made to "free up" approximately 7 thousand beds in hospital and social-health facilities, which are currently stretched to their limits. The peak in cases, particularly those related to COVID-19, has put immense pressure on emergency rooms, necessitating immediate action to address the crisis.
The Health Protection Agency (ATS) has played a crucial role in implementing this decision, calling an unscheduled meeting to inform both accredited public and private healthcare providers about the restrictions on elective hospitalizations. The temporary block primarily affects the rehabilitation health area and the socio-health area until January 31st. Additionally, surgical hospitalizations, classified as 'class A' with a maximum wait of 30 days, will be restricted until at least January 15th.
Numerous healthcare facilities, including the Cto-Gaetano Pini, Golgi Redaelli, and Trivulzio, will be impacted by this measure. The operation is expected to extend to private centers as well, ensuring that patients redirected from hospitals receive adequate care. The strategic goal is not only to increase bed availability but also to reduce the duration of patient stays and reactivate the turnover of beds.
The decision to block non-urgent hospitalizations underscores the severity of the situation in Lombardy, where healthcare resources are strained to their limits. By prioritizing urgent cases and redirecting patients to private centers, health authorities hope to better manage the escalating crisis. The move is anticipated to have a positive impact on both public and private healthcare sectors, ensuring that the available resources are efficiently utilized.
The situation is further complicated by forecasts suggesting that the epidemic will persist, at least until the Epiphany. This prolonged timeline of heightened COVID-19 and flu cases necessitates sustained efforts to manage the strain on healthcare facilities effectively. Lombardy's decision to restrict non-urgent hospitalizations is a critical step in this direction, reflecting the region's commitment to prioritizing the most pressing healthcare needs amid a challenging public health crisis.
More Than A Million Italians Currently Sick And In Bed!
According to local
Healthcare News
coverages, it is estimated that more than a million Italians are currently sick due to various respiratory infections including COVID-19, Influenza and RSV with many bedridden due to symptoms associated with the diseases.
https://www.rainews.it/video/2023/12/oltre-un-milione-di-persone-a-letto-in-questi-giorni-02154898-1221-4754-994a-bcb09606e5d3.html
The situation is no different in many countries across Europe with Germany, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Romania, Czechia, Poland and Hungary badly affected.
As the healthcare system in Italy braces for an extended period of increased demand, collaborative efforts between public and private healthcare providers will be crucial. The ongoing coordination and flexibility exhibited by health authorities in Lombardy are indicative of the region's determination to navigate these challenging times and ensure the well-being of its residents.
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