Waikato DHB draws up Omicron peak plans
Waikato District Health Board is working on adjusting the region’s Covid-19 response and initial modelling that forecasts a peak of thousands of cases a month in the Waikato.
The initial Omicron modelling based on overseas data predicts a gradual rise of cases in the Waikato and nationally.
Despite cases beginning to rise, Waikato DHB Covid-19 response director Maree Munro says most people should be able to safely isolate at home. “This is why it is important that we each have a family isolation plan in place for how to get groceries and . . . other supplies . . . There will be a smaller number of people who need additional health and welfare support in the community.”
The local response will be led by community hubs that support coordination between providers, to enable a whā nau-centred approach that links public health, primary care, community care, and welfare services, she says
As case numbers rise it is expected demand for hospital care will increase. The current model estimates about 350 people will need hospital care each month over the peak period of March and April. This would mean almost 50 beds for Covid patients alone would be needed during peak days.
The DHB’S executive director hospital and community services, Christine Lowry, says this is a significant number.
“But we do know from overseas data that those who require hospital care for Omicron tend to have lessacute illness and shorter stays in hospital than with previous variants.
“While case numbers are lower, relative to the predicted peak, we expect to manage the majority of patients in one ward at Waikato Hospital. As we encounter higher numbers we would continue to use that ward for Covid-19 positive patients, while also dedicating other areas in speciality wards to cohort patients who are admitted with another condition but happen to be Covid-19 positive.”
She says that during the peak in Covid cases, as staff and hospital resources are dedicated to high numbers of coronavirus patients, it will be necessary to reduce services including outpatient clinics and elective procedures. “This will allow us to free up staff to redeploy and provide capacity to manage demand for acute and urgent services.”
If required, Thames Hospital is able to manage Covid-positive patients, but those requiring acute care would be transferred to Waikato Hospital. Covid-positive patients in Te Kuiti, Tokoroa and Taumarunui Hospitals would also be transferred to Waikato Hospital.