The British Columbia government will reopen 20 hospital emergency operations centers set up for COVID-19 to handle an expected surge in flu, respiratory illnesses and COVID cases.
Health Minister Adrian Dix says they are dealing with an unprecedented increase in demand on the health system.
Dix says the reactivation of the centers from Monday will ensure people have continued access to hospital care and enable a coordinated response during periods of added pressure on hospitals.
Staff at the centers will assist patients who are ready to be discharged in an effort to reduce hospital overcrowding and ensure emergency departments have beds for patients.
There are more than 10,000 patients in British Columbia hospitals, which Dix said is a significant number, and the centers will help ensure there will be room for those in need in the coming weeks.
British Columbia traditionally sees an increase in hospitalizations in January as illnesses spread over the holiday period and operations resume in the new year.
Dix says the centers will be in place for at least six weeks, and management teams will review hospital bed availability and find solutions to ease congestion in emergency rooms.
Add Comment