The Wapello County Public Health Department took to Facebook to warn Iowans about the current state of the health care system.
“If you haven’t noticed hospitals around us are activating their ‘Crisis Standards of Care’ plans,” the post said. “This means they will do the best with what resources they have available at the time.”
The department noted many “critical pieces of equipment and supplies” are scarce, as well as staffing.
“The systems are not meant for this much sustained use and they are cracking,” they wrote. “This (is) not what anyone wanted. Ethical decisions are going to be forced. It is so sad. No matter what side of the debate we should all care about this turn of events. The healthcare workers are exhausted and feeling defeated.”
When asked to share more about “ethical decisions are going to be forced,” Wapello County Public Health said Crisis Standard of Care is “not new” to health care.
“This has been in planning for many years in anticipation of the pandemic,” they wrote. “The post was meant to emphasize that resources are being stretched to its limit within healthcare providers. The community needs to be proactive in their own personal health choices.”
When pressed once again on the ethical decisions will be forced line, Wapello County Public Health responded:
“You may be able to Google it, we are given templates developed by state or governmental agencies. There is no specific situations described in relation to ethical decisions. Decisions would have to be made through a committee internally with legal advisors. Decisions would be made for the best possible outcomes for all.”
Story County has had 16,201 cases of COVID with 69 deaths.
Wapello County has had 7,586 cases of COVID with 164.