LAS VEGAS, Nev. (702 Times, NV Globe) – One medical campus is speaking out about the impact of so many illnesses ravaging communities: much-needed frontline workers are getting sick, too, at a time when they are critically needed to help.

This is happening as hospitals across the Las Vegas Valley remain busy with COVID-19, flu, and RSV patients.

This winter, the number of ill physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel can range from a small number to as many as 25 each day, according to Dr. Rod Buzzas, Chief Medical Officer of St. Rose Dominican Hospital Siena and St. Rose de Lima campuses. The hospital has a backup plan to engage travel nurses to cover for absent employees.

“Unlike a lot of businesses or organizations, the hospital is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation. We can’t put up a sign saying ‘closed because of illness’,” Buzzas said.“The hospital is stretched. We have been for several weeks. We continue to see surges in our COVID numbers, along with increased numbers of flu and RSV patients,” he said.

According to Buzzas, many people could have to wait for a bed in the emergency room, much like at many hospitals around the Valley.

According to the Nevada Hospital Association, staffing in Southern Nevada is still at a “alert” level. It has been difficult to staff pediatric wards since this winter has brought an increase in sick children to several clinics, and bed occupancy is still high.

For the benefit of frontline employees, Buzzas is one of several doctors advising the public to maintain good health. They advise people to wash their hands often, wear masks in public, stay home if they are unwell, and receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

“Using these things to help protect ourselves some would just be prudent. People need to continue to think about others as well as themselves,” he said.

Additionally, Buzzas advises unwell people to first contact their primary care physician or an urgent care center before going to the hospital.

Credits: Fox 5 Vegas

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