More beds need to be cleared to accommodate the rising number of covid-19 patients.  Photo: Shutterstock

More beds need to be cleared to accommodate the rising number of covid-19 patients.  Photo: Shutterstock

Following the rise in covid-19 infections and the surge in hospitalisations of patients in normal and intensive care, the crisis unit in the evening of 14 December announced it would trigger the third phase of the hospital admission surge plan. 

In a joint official statement released by the ministry of health and the hospital federation, phase three is defined by a postponement of non-urgent surgeries that do not have a direct impact on a patient’s health. This is done to allow more space in both the normal care and intensive care units for patients suffering from covid-19. 

This impacts the four hospitals (CHL, Chem, CHdN et HRS).  The postponement of certain surgeries is agreed on by surgeons and doctors. “Urgent and important interventions will be maintained in all cases,” reassures the ministry. 

Currently, 87 patients are hospitalised for covid-19, with 26 being treated in the ICU. On 5 December, there were 5,098 active cases of the virus registered in the country.