The use of portable devices for British Columbia’s children isn’t just happening in schools. Surrey Memorial Hospital has set up a temporary emergency holding area in its pediatric wing to prepare for a potential surge in patients.
Fraser Health confirmed to CityNews that the portable equipment was installed in anticipation of a potential “surge in pediatric patient volumes this winter.”
Health officials say the portable is designed as a space “dedicated to children and their families to ensure they have the best experience possible, especially during periods of high visitor numbers.”
“The province is beginning to see an increase in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza. While it is difficult to predict the severity of the winter surge, Surrey Memorial Hospital is committed to ensuring patients have access to the best possible care. and health system experience to ensure we are still preparing to handle the surge,” Fraser Health said in an email Wednesday.
“This waiting room will provide comfort, care and reassurance to all children and their families during their care journey.”
Health officials say it is important to prepare for a potential surge in patients needing treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and respiratory diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus, especially during the colder months. He said that it became clear.
Local doctors praise Fraser Health for taking proactive steps
Dr. Anna Wallach, a family physician in Vancouver, says using a portable is nothing to worry about. She told City News she was happy to see more proactive action being taken.
“For the last three to four years, all we’ve seen is reactivity, reactivity, and we’ve always been a step or two behind. Now Fraser Health is actually thinking,” she said. .
“This is what we saw last year. We know it’s hitting emergency rooms hard. We don’t know what this year is going to be, but we’re preparing for the worst. Start setting up your portable equipment and making available space so you don’t get left behind.”
Another important point, Wallach said, is that the number of respiratory illnesses is starting to rise. Given how viruses like this are often transmitted, she says it’s a good idea to give people more space to help ventilate waiting rooms.
“Then I hope we don’t end up in the triple virus epidemic crisis we saw last winter,” Wallach added.
