Flu Surge Strains Hospitals, Leads to Postponed Surgeries
A widespread flu epidemic is putting significant pressure on healthcare systems, leading to postponed surgeries and extended wait times in emergency departments. The situation is particularly acute in the Netherlands, where hospitals are struggling to manage the influx of patients.
Frisius MC, a hospital with locations in Leeuwarden and Heerenveen, has been forced to postpone some scheduled operations since last week due to the surge in cases. According to Remko Seinstra, manager of acute care at Frisius MC, “We are clearly experiencing the effects of the flu epidemic sweeping through the country. This proves very busy in the hospital.”
Emergency rooms are likewise experiencing extreme congestion, with some departments operating under “code orange” and “code red” alerts, indicating full capacity. Staff are prioritizing patients based on the urgency of their condition, and those with less critical needs may experience longer waits. “We look very closely at the urgency of the patient’s complaint,” Seinstra explained. “If a patient can wait, we may place them in the waiting room.”
Despite the delays, hospital staff emphasize that all patients receive care. However, acknowledging the frustration of patients, Seinstra noted that those who arrive later may sometimes be seen sooner if their condition is more critical. “It can be frustrating for a patient when someone who arrived later is helped first,” he said. “However, we don’t only look at the time of arrival, but also at the complaint, the diagnosis, and how quickly treatment is needed.”
The number of people visiting their family doctor with flu-like symptoms has increased, sustaining the epidemic declared last week by the RIVM and Nivel. In the past week, 68 out of every 100,000 people sought medical attention for flu symptoms, up from 62 per 100,000 the previous week. The increase is also being felt in other hospitals, such as the Antonius Hospital in Sneek, which currently has eight patients with influenza.
While the current epidemic began later than last year and has shown a lower peak so far, health officials are closely monitoring the situation. The RIVM estimates that the flu vaccine is effective, but emphasizes the importance of preventative measures to limit the spread of the virus. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing healthcare systems in managing seasonal influenza outbreaks and ensuring timely access to care for all patients.
The surge in cases is also impacting hospitals in other regions. The Meander Medical Center in Amersfoort and other facilities, including the Jeroen Bosch Hospital in Den Bosch, the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Dordrecht, and the Martini Hospital in Groningen, have also been forced to postpone elective procedures. The pressure on healthcare resources underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive public health measures.
