BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

Hospitals increasingly desperate as COVID-19 cases rise

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

maylen

https://digital-stage.newsnationnow.com/

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241114185800

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241115200405

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118165728

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118184948

DALLAS (NewsNation Now) — In many parts of the country, hospital staff has never been in shorter supply, which exacerbates the pressure on care and capacity. Some hospital systems are now debating whether to prioritize the vaccinated.

An Oklahoma nurse is speaking for medical professionals everywhere as the state now has 1,500 people hospitalized with COVID-19 and simply has no room for patients.

“I’ve zipped up too many body bags. We’ve seen way too many people die the last year and a half,” said the nurse, who is urging vaccinations. “Because our beds are full, we have to decide when a bed opens up who gets that bed.”

There have been similar cries for help in Texas.

“Please don’t get on a motorcycle, don’t have a trauma, don’t have a heart attack. Because we’re going to be at a point where we can’t manage you,” said Dr. Michael Lamanteer, chief medical officer at BSA Hospital.

The predicament is raising an almost unimaginable question. In Dallas last week, a task force charged with setting critical care guidelines was called together. One of the question raised: When it comes to getting an ICU bed, should hospitals begin prioritizing vaccinated patients?

“This was a discussion item that unfortunately got leaked to the local newspaper as though we had modified the guidelines. We have not,” said Stephen Love, CEO of DFW Hospital council. “We’re absolutely not going to have anyone excluded,” he added.

Another group considering vaccination status is insurance companies. Delta Airlines announced Wednesday it will add a $200 monthly surcharge to insurance premiums for unvaccinated employees. It will also be limiting sick time for those who do not get the vaccine. 

Coronavirus

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241119133138

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Sunny

la

71°F Sunny Feels like 71°
Wind
6 mph SW
Humidity
28%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 47F. Winds light and variable.
47°F A few passing clouds. Low 47F. Winds light and variable.
Wind
2 mph N
Precip
9%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous