The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals across Texas has increased, and while hospitals in North Texas still have open beds, some healthcare workers worry about a surge.
Across Texas, the Department of State Health Services reported 5,650 COVID-19 patients Wednesday, up from 3,190 October 1. In North Texas, hospitals had 1,529 COVID-19 patients, an increase of 188 patients over the past week. COVID-19 patients occupied 10.46% of hospital capacity Wednesday, up from 9.2% a week ago.
"There will be more patients and maybe not enough hospital beds and not enough nurses and physicians to care for where we're at," says Samantha Rowley, senior vice president of nursing and surgical services at Parkland.
Parkland Hospital has 73 COVID-19 patients and 21 on respirators Wednesday. Rowley says both numbers have doubled over the past month.
"COVID has been a big reminder to how vulnerable life is," she says.
Dallas County reported 479 confirmed cases of COVID-19 Wednesday and an additional 145 probable cases. UT Southwestern projects Dallas County could reach 1,100 cases a day by November 6.
At Parkland, Rowley says most people might recover from COVID-19, but she has seen young, healthy people die from the virus. She says many people may have "COVID fatigue," but it is still important to wear a mask and avoid large gatherings.
"We see a husband and wife admitted, they're talking and they're fine. Then to watch both of them have a demise and tell their family, 'I'm sorry, you've lost both of your parents.' Or for a father to stand there and hold his daughter's hand as she passes is not okay," Rowley says.
