Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is “preparing for and expecting a surge” of COVID-19 patients as the virus continues to run its course in the Peterborough region.
During a media briefing held Tuesday morning (April 7), Dr. Lynn Mikula, the hospital’s vice-president, chief medical executive, and chief of staff, confirmed three positive COVID-19 patients are being treated at PRHC while another 24 patients are awaiting the results of testing.
Those numbers are part of the larger provincial picture that, as of Tuesday, show 614 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, 233 of those in intensive care and 187 of those breathing with the aid of a ventilator. The numbers in all three categories have increased as of late.
“There’s a lot that’s still unknown about this pandemic,” says Dr. Mikula.
“We don’t really know how big the surge will be … whether it will exceed our capacity or not. Our supply of personal protective equipment remains something we are very vigilant about. We also don’t know how long this pandemic will last. There are many concerns that we’re continuing to focus on.”
Speaking on the most recent COVD-19 numbers for Peterborough city and county, Curve Lake and Hiawatha that show a total of 44 positive cases to date — an increase of just three since Friday (April 3) — Dr. Mikula cautions “It’s a little too early what to make of that, whether it truly represents a flattening of the curve or perhaps people aren’t seeking testing or have mild symptoms and are doing the right thing by staying home.”
“I think we’re all watching it (the numbers) with bated breath to see what the next week will bring,” Dr. Mikula says.
Dr. Mikula also touched on the response to the COVID-19 outbreak by PRHC doctors, nurses and staff, expressing her pride in their ongoing efforts.
“PRHC has faced many challenges but none have been quite like this,” she says, adding, “This is unprecedented in its magnitude.”
“We care for patients with infectious diseases all the time. It is part of what we do. And we deal with crises all the time but this is unique. In the last month we have changed so much about the way we doings.”
“Our people have risen to the occasion like never before. We’ve pulled together with the support of the broader community. We’re as ready as we can be right now. There is a sense of calm preparedness in the building. We are feeling really ready.”
