Ministry of Health's Virtual Media Conference

Key points from today’s Ministry of Health’s Virtual Media Conference – Wednesday 10th November 2021. — Principal Medical Officer – Institutions, Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards, noted that between June 28th and November 9th, there were less than 400 patients per day in the parallel healthcare system. As of November 9th, there were 405 and as of this morning (November 10th), there are 427 patients in the parallel healthcare system. — In two days, the overall occupancy level, which was under 40% for 113 days consistently, was surpassed. We are currently at 47% occupancy in the parallel healthcare system. 49% occupancy in Trinidad and 33% in Tobago. — Dr Richards shared information regarding the status at the Intensive Care Units. There are 52 beds out of a total of 60 beds that are currently operational in Trinidad, and in Tobago, 2 out of 5 beds are currently occupied. — Dr. Richards mentioned that the Ministry is seeing a significant number of unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated persons requiring intensive care unit level of care. Out of the 52 people in Trinidad in ICU, 92% are not fully vaccinated. — Dr. Richards noted some changes within the healthcare system such as: • Increased capacity at the Accident & Emergency departments to treat unstable patients. • Increased number of life support ambulances on each shift. • Increase ICU bed capacity at the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility, Point Fortin Hospital and the St. James Medical Complex. • Increased ward level beds. • The field hospital was reactivated at the Port of Spain General Hospital in the NWRHA. • Additional beds were also added at the St. James Medical Complex. — Dr. Richards said if we continue on this trend, resources will soon be expended. Vaccination is our only way forward in light of the variants in our communities.