Hamilton-area hospitals join call for 'decisive action' around COVID-19 lockdowns

Hospitals in Hamilton and the surrounding area are joining a call for the province to take "decisive action" around lockdowns.

Hospitals in Niagara, Brantford, Brant, Halidmand and Norfolk say beds are filling, and that hospitals "were not designed to manage these sustained pressures."

"COVID infections and hospitalizations are rising rapidly and show no signs of abating," read a statement signed by local hospital representatives.

"The expected surge of infections post-holiday, combined with the known rise in seasonal illness we see annually at this time of year, is adding grave cause for concern."

The hospitals are lending their voice to a request from the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) for a 28-day lockdown in the province's red zones amid record-high case counts and hospitalizations.

"Ontario remains firmly caught in the grasp of a major second wave of COVID-19," read a statement from the OHA Thursday.

"Daily infection is now above 2,000 new cases per day. Hospitalization is increasing rapidly, as is the occupancy of intensive care units."

Premier Doug Ford did not commit to any new shutdowns on Thursday, but said he appreciates the OHA's input.

"It's very, very concerning, the situation we're facing right now," he said during a media update. "Right now, everything is on the table. We always take the advice from the medical experts."

On Friday morning, the premier announced an emergency meeting today health minister Christine Elliott, Dr. Williams, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, and Ontario's hospital leaders to to talk about next steps.

Hamilton-area hospitals say they're struggling to keep up with backlogs caused by the first wave of the virus while supporting residents in community settings such as care homes.

Staffing levels are "precarious," their statement says.

The hospitals are taking a regional approach to avoid being overwhelmed with patients, preparing to pool resources and bed space if needed.

In Hamilton, the former Crowne Plaza Hotel is also being used as a satellite hospital to treat patients and create space. 

"Every possible policy measure to avoid a crisis should now be invoked to assure safe access to care for patients and protect staff and physicians working in hospital and community care settings," read the statement from the hospitals.

"As hospitals prepare to cancel care at the direction of the province, it is imperative all measures are taken to reduce community transmission."

There are 15 patients with COVID-19 at St. Joe's, and 39 at Hamilton Health Sciences.