As hospitals near capacity, health officials fear they can't 'maintain care' for the community

Aug. 21—Local hospitals are nearing capacity as COVID-19 cases continue to surge, and are preparing to start sending patients to other spaces to make room for new patients.

Novant Health has seen a nearly 1,600% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the last six weeks throughout all of its hospitals, according to a release from Novant-led New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Today, more than 91% of COVID-19 patients in Novant's hospitals are not vaccinated, and the average age of admitted patients is the lowest it has been since the pandemic started, in the 40s rather than the 60s.

"We are concerned that we can't maintain care for our community," NHRMC Chief Clinical Officer West Paul told reporters Wednesday during a news conference.

NHRMC noted as of Wednesday about half of its intensive care unit patients had COVID-19 with expectations capacity would be reached soon. It's also experiencing a shortage in staff with many in quarantine from contracting the virus.

The hospital is planning to move, like the orthopedic hospital and Pender Memorial Hospital, one of many measure NHRMC is taking to respond to a surge in cases that mirrors the pandemic's early days last yea

It has also postponed many non-emergency surgeries to alleviate resources in the hospital for COVID-19 patients, officials said during a news conference Wednesday.

Paul said those who are not experiencing a medical emergency should not come to the emergency department, but rather seek help from urgent care or another doctor. However, he said if someone is experiencing a true medical emergency, they should still seek care at the hospital.

Those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not come to the hospital to get tested unless they require immediate medical care due to their symptoms.

Here is how Novant Health says the community can help relieve the surge of patients at the hospital:

Wear a mask. The delta variant, which health officials believe is impacting the surge in cases, is significantly more contagious than the original form of the virus. While the original virus takes some time to transfer, officials believe the delta variant can spread from person to person in just seconds.

Wearing a mask helps to stop the virus from spreading when in close contact with others. Individuals should also follow any additional recommendations from the CDC and local health officials to protect themselves and those around them.

Get tested. Residents should stay aware of their health and symptoms they may be experiencing, and seek help as soon as possible. However, health officials noted the emergency department at the hospital is not the appropriate venue to seek out a test.

Tests for COVID-19 are administered at local primary care and pediatric clinics for existing patients, as well as at local retail drug stores. Additional testing locations can be found on the Novant Health website and the state's Health and Human Services website.

Antibody treatment. Novant Health offers monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 patients who qualify through emergency use authorization. Patients with mild symptoms can speak with their physician to learn more about if they qualify for the treatment.

Get vaccinated. Health officials urge everyone to get vaccinated if they have not been already. Vaccines are available at more than 100 Novant Health locations, as well as through county health departments and retail pharmacies.

Third doses of the vaccine are available for immunocompromised individuals at many of these locations. Further information on vaccine locations can be found on the NHRMC website.

Reporter Sydney Hoover can be reached at 910-343-2339 or shoover@gannett.com.

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