Silver Cross Seeing Higher Hospitalizations Than In Spring Peak

NEW LENOX, IL — As hospitalizations increase across the state, Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox is also seeing its highest amount of hospitalizations due to the coronavirus. As of Tuesday morning, Director of Marketing and Community Relations Debra Robbins told Patch that the hospital has a total of 104 COVID-related patients. 101 have tested positive for the virus and three are patients under investigation.

"We’re definitely seeing our highest numbers since the start of the pandemic back in March. At our peak in March and April, we were at 82 total patients," Robbins said.

Four COVID patients at the hospital are currently on ventilators.

"While fewer patients need critical care during this second wave of COVID, those who are hospitalized meet admission criteria and are in need of medications, therapies, and nursing care," Robbins said.

Much of the state is seeing hospitalizations surpass the peaks seen in the spring.

"Statewide, we're now averaging more than 4,200 patients with COVID-19 in the hospital," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said during a news briefing Tuesday. "Our highest average in the spring was 4,822."

In region 7, which is where Silver Cross Hospital is located, there are 27 percent of med/surg beds available and 28 percent of ICU beds available, according to data from IDPH.

"We need the community’s help more than ever to keep our healthcare workers safe, so they can continue to provide care for everyone coming to the hospital. So please mask, please wash your hands frequently, please clean surfaces you touch regularly and please practice social distancing. Our infectious disease experts tell us that all of these practices make a difference. We can do this together," Robbins said.