"Hospital congestion is at its peak" Israel today

Against the background of the abolition of the green mark, hospitals in Israel warn that the patient load is high.

An examination by "Israel Today" shows that despite the impression created - the peak of the fifth wave is not yet behind us.

The hospitals in Jerusalem are facing a heavy and continuous load of Corona patients as a result of the fifth wave, a situation that makes it difficult for the medical staff.

At the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 185 corona patients are hospitalized, of whom 74 are in critical condition, of whom 15 are respirators.

146 corona patients are hospitalized at Hadassah, 84 of them in critical condition, and 48 corona patients are hospitalized at Herzog Medical Center, of whom six are corona patients and 21 are in critical condition.

Dr. Ariel Rokach, an expert in internal medicine and lung disease, director of the respiratory treatment unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, commented on the complex situation and told Israel Today that "the workload in the hospitals is extreme.

The current wave is at its peak, in the media the impression is created as if the fifth wave is behind us and we can move on.

"From tonight, the green label will expire in most places, and this could create dangerous complacency."

Dr. Pharmacist clarified that “in hospitals the congestion is now at its peak.

Despite the decline in the number of infections, there are still about 50,000 verified each day, so that in the next ten days no significant reduction in the heavy workload in hospitals is expected.

The crews deal with death on a daily basis, which is an integral part of the Corona Department's routine.

It should be noted that most severe patients are not vaccinated as required.

"This creates frustration among hospital staff, who know that a significant proportion of the serious illness could have been prevented. Today it is clear that the vaccination of more than half a million elderly people in the fourth vaccine in Israel did not prevent infection, but significantly reduced the number of patients."

Dr. Ariel Rokach,

He added that "towards the end of February there is likely to be a decrease in the morbidity, and public behavior will have a decisive effect. "The expiration of the green mark in most places does not mean that the masks can be removed. Continued adherence to masks, adherence to antigen testing in the education system and immunization save lives. Responsible public behavior is essential to save lives."

Fiber the departments

At the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, 113 corona patients are hospitalized, of whom 59 are in critical condition, including 17 in critical condition.

Four dedicated corona wards are currently open at the hospital, all of which are almost full to capacity, and two small units (maternity crown and children's crown).

The director of the medical center, Prof. Masad Barhoum, told Israel Today that "due to the increase in coronary heart disease in the Galilee, the staffs have been instructed to turn the entire rehabilitation department for the benefit of Corona patients. This means that the only rehabilitation ward in the Galilee will be closed."

Prof. Barhum added: "Currently, two inpatient wards have been converted to Corona, so we are left with only four inpatient wards during the winter season, where many patients suffering from winter illnesses, such as flu and pneumonia, come to us. Currently all inpatient and intensive care units with 140 130 percent occupancy. Although the expectation is for a decrease in morbidity, we in the hospital do not see it.

"The corona is affecting the whole hospital, although at the moment the elective activity has not been harmed, including surgeries, and I hope it will remain so."

Prof. Masad Barhum, Photo: Ancho Gush - Ginny

"High mortality"

Meanwhile, the deputy director of Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Dr. Avi Weissman, also told Israel Today about the condition of the hospital.

He said, "We were at a peak with 150 patients, but we are today with 110 and hope it is a sign of things to come. In terms of mortality, it is a very high mortality unfortunately, especially of older people. The average age of death is 80. Most patients are severely hospitalized with severe symptoms. "Corona. Although the omicron attacks the upper airways, we see very severe pneumonia, as we have seen in the Delta and Alpha."

On the medical staffs, Dr. Weissman said: "There is a decrease in the number of isolated staff members, and now it stands at 217. It is less than last week, but the number is still relatively high."

Photo: Maor Elkselsi // Dr. Avi Weissman.,

Meanwhile, after a record number of corona patients hospitalized in critical condition yesterday morning stood at 1,263, according to data released by the Ministry of Health in the evening, the number dropped slightly to 1,254, of which 288 were respirated.

The coefficient of infection continues to decline and now stands at 0.86.

Assaf Golan participated in the preparation of the article

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