B.C. says it can't take patients from Alberta's overwhelmed ICUs
CBC
B.C. says it will not be able to take any of Alberta's extra intensive care unit patients at a time when that province's hospitals are buckling under the weight of patients who are critically ill with COVID-19.
Dr. Verna Yiu, president and CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS) said Wednesday it will ask other provinces if they can take ICU patients who need care, or spare staff that can work in intensive care units.
In a statement, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said the ministry met with its Alberta counterparts Thursday. But B.C. can't take on Alberta patients now.
"Given the current demands on B.C.'s health-care system, we will not be able to assist with taking patients at this time," Dix said.
"However, we have told Alberta that if there are things we can do to support them, we will. And if we can take patients on in the future, we will.
"We are in a global pandemic, and our thoughts are with Albertans as they respond to COVID-19 in their province."
Yui said Thursday some Alberta patients may be transferred to Ontario.
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