DCH 'Worried' Over Progression Of Surge Ahead Of Fall, Football

TUSCALOOSA, AL — DCH Health System is facing down one of the most worrisome points of the coronavirus pandemic, as new cases and hospitalizations rise at their fastest rates seen thus far during the crisis. This comes as the University of Alabama is set for its home opener in Tuscaloosa on Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

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DCH Chief Operating Officer Paul Betz was the featured speaker for an update on the hospital provided via Zoom by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Wednesday morning.

"The percentage of ICU level care is higher this go around," Betz said in comparing the current wave to the last major surge seen in January. "So patients are sicker and something we’re having to combat every day as we work our way through this."

Betz then expressed concern when asked by Patch about the progression of the current surge, which has taken only a couple of months to see hospitalizations rise to numbers that previously took more than half a year to climb to.

"I am certainly concerned about it, the surge has been so dramatic and so fast this time around because this mutation of the virus is so much more contagious, it does worry me," he said. "It worries our staff, it worries our doctors, so yeah it does worry me what we will see during football season."

In his update, Betz covered a wide range of topics, from the staff shortage facing the hospital system, to vaccinations and the evolution of tracking the pandemic itself.

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Here's a look at our biggest takeaways

The peak number of COVID-19 inpatients at one time for the hospital system during the current wave has been 165, with Betz saying the percentage of ICU level care is higher during this surge, so patients are more sick.

COVID-19 patients ages 25 to 49 have generated the highest number of positive test results, Betz said, before pointing out that the death rate among those in the 50-65 age range has been steadily rising to unprecedented levels over the last 90 days. Deaths among those in the 25 to 49 cohort have also seen a noticeable rise. "Younger and younger people are dying from this through this recent surge in the pandemic and it’s really, really kind of scary," he said.

Older patients have tended to decline over time after being admitted for COVID-19, Betz said, but for young patients receiving critical care in the ICU, Betz said "their bodies are able to defend themselves against this virus for longer periods of time, but when their bodies give up, they decline very, very rapidly."

More children have been hospitalized across the country than during any other point during the pandemic. When asked by Patch about DCH's approach to admitting coronavirus-positive children, he said many times they are transported to Children's Hospital in Birmingham, but are sometimes admitted at DCH Regional Medical Center. "That’s not necessarily a pandemic-related situation," he said. "They do a great job and have specialists who treat kids day in and day out. We do admit pediatric patients at a much-lower volume."

The vaccination rate among Alabamians over the age of 65 is more than 75%, Betz said, citing state vaccination numbers. That is compared to just under 47% of those ages 30-49. "Those who have been vaccinated have a better chance of not being hospitalized and being able to ward off death, it’s just that simple," he said.

More DCH employees have become receptive of the vaccine, with 67% of the hospital's staff having received at least one dose. The hospital system continues to offer incentives, such as free time off, and plans a second round of incentives and prizes to encourage employees to get vaccinated.

Over 1,000 monoclonal antibodies infusions have been administered by DCH to-date on its Northport campus. Betz said the phase III clinical trial for this treatment showed reduced risk of hospitalization or death by up to 70% in patients who are considered high-risk after testing positive for the virus.

A nursing shortage continues for DCH Health System and similar hospitals, which has prompted the Tuscaloosa health care provider to apply for federal assistance. Betz also asked for any retired nurses or those who have an active RN license, and are interested, to come work for DCH during the current wave to help alleviate the staffing issues.

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