Coronavirus Melbourne: Box Hill, Angliss and Maroondah hospital ICU ready for influx
A trio of public hospitals in Melbourne east are readying their intensive care units in preparation for a possible influx of coronavirus patients.
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Intensive care units across the east are prepped and ready to go in case of an influx of patients battling the deadly coronavirus.
With positive cases fluctuating between 300 and 400 cases daily, the ICU units at Box Hill, Maroondah and the Angliss hospitals – managed by Eastern Health – have centralised their rosters to be prepared for a possible influx of patients.
Staff at the three specialised medical wards in Whitehorse, Ringwood and Upper Ferntree Gully in Knox have a central, overarching roster and protocols so resources can be adjusted if the need arises.
Coronavirus cases across the state rose by 300 as of Friday with six deaths overnight linked to aged care outbreaks.
Across Victoria there are 206 people in hospital and 41 in intensive care.
Eastern Health intensive care services director Associate Professor Owen Roodenburg said it was a very challenging time.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by COVID-19 and we remain committed to playing a lead role in supporting the health of our communities,” Prof Roodenburg said.
“Eastern Health is currently working with the Department of Health and Human Services to further expand our ICU capacity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we remain committed to providing the best care to everyone, every time.”
Prof Roodenburg said with the initial flattening of the curve earlier this year, Eastern Health had time to prepare for the second wave.
“And we remain confident our patients will receive the very best of treatment,” he said.
“Eastern Health is committed to serving both our local communities and supporting others during this global pandemic.”
He said Eastern Health had a unique network-wide approach and were able to ensure a cohesive and constantly evolving model of care in its ICU wards at all three sites.
“This means that staff protocols, education, and rosters are the same across the sites and we can adjust resources as the needs arise,” Prof Roodenburg said.
“All of our ICU beds are in single rooms, and all sites have the essential equipment to provide the best care, including ventilators.”
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