January CEO Update

It is becoming clear that Omicron is quickly surging to overtake Delta as the predominant Covid-19 variant in the United States. Omicron is easily transmitted and multiplies 70 times faster in the major airways of the lungs of an infected individual.

With that being said, Witham’s hospitalized COVID patients remain at a record high with many young and most very sick. It is important to understand that as I write this, 100% of our Covid positive critical care patients are not vaccinated. While our caregivers are doing all they can to help these patients, we need you to also do all you can to avoid becoming ill. This is truly turning into a pandemic of the unvaccinated.

Currently, Witham is no different than many hospitals throughout Indiana who are on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Department (ED) diversion. Diversion is when we ask ambulances with incoming patients to pass us by leaving few options for these patients to receive care. Compounding this latest Covid surge is the reality that many hospital staff are unable to come to work as some are out due to being Covid positive or having a possible exposure or because they need to stay home to care for a loved one with Covid. This is putting a lot of stress and physical and emotional burden on our remaining team members.

Over the next few weeks, we anticipate seeing a very steep rise in Covid cases coming to the hospital due to Omicron’s transmissibility. This means we will have an even larger influx of patients (due to Covid) with even fewer staff (due to Covid). This combination has the makings of a horror film…only those of us in healthcare can’t push pause or even look away.

As 2022 approaches I’ve heard many lament “I hope 2022 is better.” Hope is not a plan. Let’s MAKE 2022 better by controlling what we can - get vaccinated/boostered, wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid crowds and practice social distancing. Please, we need your help!

Kelly Braverman, CEO/President


Witham Health Services