Health leaders worry for NWLA hospital capacity amid fourth surge

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - State and local leaders are calling it the “fourth surge” as hospitalizations hit a record-breaking number in Louisiana.

The patients being hospitalized are younger and the demand on the hospital systems is growing.

Brian Crawford, chief administrative officer for Willis-Knighton Health System, said all the hospital beds — including ICU beds — are full.

“Our emergency departments are just inundated,” he said over the phone.

Crawford said about 20% of all ER visits were COVID-19 patients on Monday, Aug. 2. He said that’s about the average daily. Meanwhile, the state average for COVID-19 ER visits is about 11%.

Ochsner LSU Health reports 43 COVID-19 patients, with more than 90% of them unvaccinated.

Christus Health System sent KSLA News 12 an emailed statement that reads, in part:

“CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System continues to see a surge in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. We are still taking care of patients seeking treatment, outside of COVID-19, in our facilities. Our facilities have capacity, skilled caregivers, and adequate supplies/materials. Louisiana Department of Health Resources should be used for specific data concerning COVID-19. Our policy hasn’t changed in providing specific numbers on COVID cases and hospitalizations.”

*Following this report, several local hospitals started reporting their COVID-19 hospitalizations.*