58 Alberta ICU Doctors Write Letter Saying “It’s Not Too Late to Change Course” on COVID-19 Crisis | The Canadian News

“Currently, the Alberta ICUs operate in more than 150 percent normal capacity “.

That’s part of the message in a letter sent to all Albertans by 58 intensive care physicians representing a section of the Alberta Medical Association (AMA).

The letter, published Monday, goes on to say that the province remains on the brink of a health system collapse.

It came just one day after Alberta’s former chief medical officer for health co-wrote a letter calling on the government to initiate a fire lockdown in an effort to stem the fourth wave.

The association says the demand for intensive care nurses is so great that the number of patients assigned to each nurse has increased, putting the level of care well below normal standards.

“The demand is driven by critically ill COVID-19 patients. We have responded aggressively by working with Alberta Health Services to increase our provincial ICU beds, ”the letter issued Monday read.

“To accomplish this, AHS made the difficult decision to divert workers from other areas of our health care system. This has important consequences, such as postponement of surgeries, important diagnostic tests and treatments. Given the scale of the disruptions, it is very possible that this has already affected you or one of your loved ones. “

“Given the relentless pace of infections, it is unclear when these postponements will end. The impact of this on the health of Albertans will be profound and long-lasting. “

The group says the ICU situation could lead to triage protocols, in which doctors must make decisions on the spot about who receives life-saving care.

Doctors from all corners of the province say that “it is not too late to change course” when it comes to curbing the fourth wave, although the time to act is now.

They agreed with the data presented at the Alberta government’s press conference in recent weeks, and the decision to implement new public health measures.

However, ICU doctors hope that public health measures are here to stay until the number of cases decreases.

Are you still on the fence? Get answers from medical professionals

The intensive care unit section of the AMA continues to encourage those who are still undecided about receiving the vaccine to discuss it with their family doctor.

Another resource for those with questions is the Government of Canada website, where medical professionals have responded frequent questions.

“We recognize that there may be a fear of the vaccine, however we do not want to meet you in one of our ICUs with a preventable disease.”

The doctors added that it is clear from the fourth wave that the unvaccinated are at a much higher risk of requiring hospitalization and ICU care.

“We applaud Albertans who had the courage to get vaccinated not only to protect themselves, but also to protect those around them,” the letter said.

“If vaccination rates were higher, we could prevent our emergency departments, hospital wards and ICUs from being invaded. If more Albertans choose vaccination, our operating rooms will function and we will be able to provide those important tests, surgeries and treatments that are currently postponed. “

‘We still need your help’

While some hope they don’t have to initiate the triage protocol, there are three steps they ask the public to follow if they too want to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

First, they are asking Albertans to advocate with the provincial government to continue to control the spread of COVID-19 through public health measures.

Second, they are encouraging those who are vaccinated to help others get vaccinated if they can.

Lastly, doctors urge everyone to continue to follow public health measures along with wearing masks where appropriate, washing hands, staying home if sick, and following public health guidelines, especially if you have COVID-symptoms. 19.

“We still have a chance to prevent this crisis from getting worse.”

BELOW: Complete letter from the Alberta Medical Association ICU Physicians

– With files from The Canadian Press