Guadeloupe is facing a major flu epidemic, which is saturating emergency rooms in hospitals. This Friday (January 16), the Point-à-Pitre University Hospital was forced to activate its white plan, in order to cope with the influx of patients. The objective is to quickly reconfigure the hospital, in order to ensure the care of a large number of patients.
Doctor Bruno Jarrige, the crisis medical directorspecifies the terms of this new operation:
Following the increase in cases of flu in the territory, combined with the strike in Eaux-Clairs, the influx of patients is very significant at the University Hospital and we need to free up space to accommodate all the patients. In previous days, we had increased the number of beds in certain departments, but it is not enough. So, we arrive at this blank plan, a step where we unschedule patients scheduled for next week, to postpone their treatment.
Call 15 before going to the emergency room
In a press release, published today (Friday January 16), the Regional Health Agency (ARS) recommends that the population call the 15th, before going to the emergency room.
For greater efficiency, the agency also puts in place some rules:
– In case of common symptoms, consult your doctor first. In his absence, dial the ADGUPS number at 05 90 90 13 13
– Ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice, fully mobilized
The ARS also reminds that going to the emergency room unnecessarily exposes you to prolonged waiting times and delays in treating the most serious situations.
Good reflexes
The authorities are calling for “collective vigilance” and recalling simple actions to avoid contamination:
– Wash your hands frequently
– Ventilate the rooms
– Wear the mask in case of symptoms.
Finally, the ARS reminds that the vaccine remains your best defense against the flu. It helps reduce serious forms and hospitalizations.
