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In late 2021, there had been a rapid increase in COVID-19-related hospitalizations. As a result, the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA), Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA), and Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA) urged Hoosiers who were not yet vaccinated to get their shots for the 2021 holiday season. In hopes, this directive would relieve pressure on the Indiana health care system and ensure safe gatherings. Unfortunately, hospitalizations then reached a record high. See the joint press release from November 30, 2021, here.
As of January 2022, health officials are concerned about the fast-spreading omicron variant, further stressing Indiana’s hospitals facing their highest-ever overall patient loads.
This most recent increase in hospitalizations has forced many Indiana hospitals to keep patients in emergency departments for extended periods of time while waiting for open hospital rooms and has left the hospitals with very few ICU beds for new critically ill patients. Read more about the strain Hoosier hospitals are currently enduring.
“The strain right now is coming from the fact that the system is essentially like an engine that’s been running at full tilt for an extended period of time without any downtime for maintenance,” Tabor said. “We’re going to continue to be in an emergency situation for some time within the four walls of the hospital.”
Brian Tabor, IHA PResiDent
