Saint Francis Says COVID-19 Hospitalizations Remain High As Staffing Shortage Persists

Leaders at Saint Francis say the number of hospitalized patients with the virus has remained steady for the past 10 days, but it's still elevated.

Saint Francis said they have 270 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at all their facilities.

President and CEO Dr. Cliff Robertson said more patients are needing a ventilator right now than the surge they saw back in January. They also continue to see younger people needing care with the average age of a hospitalized patient of 59.

This all comes as the healthcare system, like many nationwide, struggles with staffing.

Robertson said they have hired some travel nurses but have bids out for more travel nurses to come to Oklahoma.

He said they're also offering incentives for current employees to work extra shifts and are actively recruiting. Some managers are also working extra and overtime.

Hospital leaders said one respiratory therapy manager at the Muskogee hospital has worked 42 straight days to help out.

"The nursing staff and our other clinical staff, those shortages have been around before the pandemic and are projected to continue for years and so the real solution for us is the creation of more interest," said Robertson.

Robertson said they have the ability to expand their ICU capacity if needed, but they are not at that point yet.