The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order due to an increase in respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations. Every state hospital has been directed to work together as well as ensure that patients are treated with the appropriate levels of care through the order.The NMDOH says the order is necessary because hospitals and emergency rooms are operating above their licensed capacity due to the surge in Illnesses. Respiratory diseases caused by RSV and other viruses are causing strain on pediatric respiratory hospital capacity in New Mexico. The health department says the state is nearing strain that would activate crisis standards of care. The rise in RSV cases has been ongoing in New Mexico since October. Data from the CDC says New Mexico is also experiencing very high rates of influenza, along with Texas and Tennessee. The new public health order directs and recommends the following: All hospital systems are directed to work cooperatively to activate the “hub and spoke” model for patient triage. This will ensure patients are transferred to appropriate levels of care based on acuity. NMDOH’s division of health improvement is also instructed to approve bed capacity expansion and any other measures to treat the rise of RSV cases. Wearing masks when indoors was also recommended to families during the holiday season. NMDOH also strongly encouraged obtain vaccinations and booster shots for influenza and COVID-19. The Department of Health’s Medical Advisory Team will also monitor oxygen supplies to address any supply shortages if needed. Click here to read the full public health order.
The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order due to an increase in respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations.
Every state hospital has been directed to work together as well as ensure that patients are treated with the appropriate levels of care through the order.
The NMDOH says the order is necessary because hospitals and emergency rooms are operating above their licensed capacity due to the surge in respiratory illnesses.
Respiratory diseases caused by RSV and other viruses are causing strain on pediatric hospital capacity in New Mexico. The health department says the state is nearing strain that would activate crisis standards of care.
The rise in RSV cases has been ongoing in New Mexico since October. Data from the CDC says New Mexico is also experiencing very high rates of influenza, along with Texas and Tennessee.
The new public health order directs and recommends the following:
- All hospital systems are directed to work cooperatively to activate the “hub and spoke” model for patient triage. This will ensure patients are transferred to appropriate levels of care based on acuity.
- NMDOH’s division of health improvement is also instructed to approve bed capacity expansion and any other measures to treat the rise of RSV cases.
- Children who experience RSV symptoms are advised to stay home from school and daycare settings to prevent transmission of disease.
- Wearing masks when indoors was also recommended to families during the holiday season. NMDOH also strongly encouraged obtain vaccinations and booster shots for influenza and COVID-19.
- The Department of Health’s Medical Advisory Team will also monitor oxygen supplies to address any supply shortages if needed.
Click here to read the full public health order.
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