Flu Crisis Hits Piceno Area Hospitals
The flu outbreak in the Piceno area has had a significant impact on the pediatric departments of hospitals in the region. The Ascoli and San Benedetto hospitals have seen a surge in flu-related complications, leading to a strain on healthcare staff and resources.
Since Christmas, the pediatric beds at both hospitals have been consistently full, with the “Mazzoni” hospital having to reduce beds in the Neonatal Pathology department from 5 to 3 to accommodate the staffing shortage caused by the flu outbreak. It is expected that normal operations will resume at the end of February as the flu peak subsides.
Dr. Ermanno Ruffini, director of Pediatrics and Neonatology at Ascoli, explained that the flu has resulted in numerous hospitalizations due to pulmonary complications, especially in very young children. The situation has been further complicated by staffing shortages, leading to the reduction in beds in Neonatal Pathology.
Dr. Natalini clarified that the reduction of beds in Neonatal Pathology does not affect the ability of the hospitals to care for newborns from the Piceno area. The hospitals can still manage babies born between 32 and 34 weeks, and for discharge, the newborn must reach at least 2 kilos.
Amidst these challenges, the USB union staged a protest, expressing concern about the impact of staffing shortages on patient care. The union highlighted the need to hire additional nursing and midwifery staff, as well as the restoration of all beds in neonatal pathology.
In response to the protest, Dr. Natalini emphasized that the hospitals are working to address the staffing shortages and ensure the continued provision of quality care for infants and children. The situation remains critical, but efforts are being made to manage the crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
The Piceno hospitals are facing a challenging period, but they are committed to addressing the flu crisis and maintaining the high standards of care for their patients.