Photo: Shaun Penner / EverythingGP staff

By Shaun Penner

COVID INCREASE

QEII Hospital diverts patients to other facilities due to rise in COVID-19 patients

Aug 29, 2021 | 11:53 AM

This story has been updated from its original version.

Alberta Health Services says as a result of a rising number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization at the QEII Hospital in Grande Prairie, nine patients were transferred to other hospitals in the region starting on Saturday evening.

“Rising COVID-19 case numbers in the Grande Prairie area, and throughout the North Zone, are having an impact on capacity at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital,” claims AHS, in a statement issued Sunday morning.

“This decision was not taken lightly, however, it is important to ensure the QEII has capacity available for COVID-19 patients who require care.”

This move comes after it was announced on Friday that starting August 30, approximately 45 elective surgeries per week are to be postponed at the QEII Hospital to create additional COVID-19 bed spaces.

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READ MORE: Elective surgeries to be postponed at QEII to create dedicated COVID unit: AHS

AHS says they informed the patients “from the earliest opportunity in the transfer process”, and that they were provided with the needed information to assist with the transfer.

“We recognize transitions in care can be challenging. While at times difficult, all decisions concerning the care and treatment of patients are made in the best interests of all patients, in consultation with family, the patient’s physician, the care team, and AHS ethics advisors as appropriate,” adds AHS in its statement.

The healthcare administrator says they will work to transfer these patients back to the QEII “when it is safe and appropriate to do so”.

AHS says the hospital in Grande Prairie remains a safe place to receive care and that there is no increased risk to patients coming to the hospital. They say any patient with symptoms, or who has tested positive for COVID-19, is isolated and treated in designated rooms.

“We strongly urge all eligible Albertans to get immunized as quickly as possible, and to continue following preventative measures such as staying home when sick,” says AHS.

As of August 26 (the latest data provided by Alberta Health) there were 36 people in hospital due to COVID-19 in the North Zone, three of whom were in the ICU.

FRIDAY’S COVID-19 UPDATE: Grande Prairie adds 56 new COVID-19 cases, 27 recoveries

The move also comes amid reports from both the United Nurses of Alberta and the Alberta NDP earlier this summer that staff shortages in Grande Prairie had already led to bed closures at the hospital.

The two groups allege that in July as many as 14 beds were closed at the QEII due to staffing shortages, and that as many as 80 Registered Nurse jobs remained unfilled in Grande Prairie.

RELATED: Staffing shortages causing bed closures at QEII Hospital: Notley, UNA