BATESVILLE, IN — The Inpatient Unit at Margaret Mary Health (MMH) has surged well above normal capacity due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, which has required double occupancy in rooms set-up for single patient care. The record high volumes, along with the increased illness in the community, is placing a significant amount of stress on the system but hospital officials say the staff is doing its best, and thank the community in advance for its understanding and patience.
MMH currently has 31 patients on the Med/Surg floor, with six of those patients in the Special Care Unit and three on ventilators. Twenty-four of the patients are COVID-positive, with 19 of those unvaccinated. The average age of patients is also declining, with more than half the patients currently admitted for COVID-19 under the age of 60. (See charts for current patient volumes and vaccination rates since early August.)
The Emergency Room is very busy and wait times are longer than normal. Hospital officials say they understand this can be frustrating, but please know teams are working hard and as quickly as possible to see every patient who needs care. MMH’s supply of the monoclonal antibody therapies used to treat patients with high risk for severe COVID-19 remains low.
COVID-19 testing volumes continue to see a high positivity rate, with 29.6% of patients (91 in total) testing positive in the past week. (See chart for testing details). Asymptomatic patients who need to be tested for COVID-19 should schedule an appointment at a local testing site through coronavirus.in.gov.
Everyone 16 and older can receive the vaccine and are also recommended to receive a booster shot if it has been at least six months after completing the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination series, or at least two months after completing the Johnson & Johnson vaccination.
Children ages 5 and older are eligible for an age-appropriate dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday at the MMH Occupational Health and Wellness Center in Batesville at (812) 932-5105.
Vaccine appointments can also be made Monday through Friday at the Margaret Mary Health Center in Brookville at (765) 647-5126.
Walk-ins are also welcome in Brookville.
