bne IntelliNews – Slovenia begins mass mobilization of medical staff to fight the pandemic
On 16 November, Slovenian Minister of Health Janez Poklukar said that the authorities had initiated the largest mobilization of medical staff to date due to the deteriorating situation in COVID-19.
On November 16, 3,763 new infections were reported, up 419 from last Tuesday.
“Currently, the largest mobilization and movement of staff within the health care system in the history of independent Slovenia is taking place,” said Poklukar, urging all those who are qualified to apply through associations, organizations or coordinators of COVID hospitals.
“838 people are being treated in hospitals, of which 568 need oxygen supply, and an additional 236 patients are being treated in intensive care units,” Poklukar said.
Hospitals have agreed to expand capacity in intensive care units to 288 beds.
“This moves us to the largest possible number of treatments so that the standard of care is still minimally satisfactory,” the minister said, adding that hospitals give priority to human resources in treating patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID emergencies. patients.
Poklukar said there is a shortage of nurses. Among physicians, there is the greatest shortage of anesthesiologists, intensive care specialists, internists, pulmonologists, and neurologists. But, as the minister said, any help from a healthcare professional is welcome.
In the first round of reorganization, about 130 private individuals responded to the calls. There is a lot of interest among students and at least 260 high school and medical students are already working in the system. The military medical unit provided 20 medical workers and the Red Cross 120 medical workers, the minister said.
Poklukar reiterated his call for vaccination and compliance with all measures.
Pediatrician Denis Bas also pointed out that the condition is extremely serious, as pediatric wards report an increase in the number of hospitalized children infected with COVID-19.