Federal support needed but won't solve Alberta's COVID-19 crisis quickly, doctors say
CBC
As the federal government works with Alberta to determine potential pandemic supports, some doctors worry the province's COVID-19 situation could get even worse before federal help arrives.
During interviews with CBC News on Wednesday, three Edmonton physicians brought up logistical challenges in training out-of-province workers and transferring patients. They said resources from other provinces could help reduce the strain on Alberta's intensive care units, but not immediately.
In a letter to federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair on Tuesday, Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver asked for aero-medical evacuation capacity and critical care staff, particularly registered nurses and respiratory therapists.
As of Wednesday there are 1,040 patients in Alberta hospitals with COVID-19, including 230 in intensive care beds. Both numbers are the highest the province has seen.
Speaking with CBC on Wednesday morning, Dr. James Talbot, a former chief medical officer of health and current co-chair of Alberta's Strategic COVID-19 Pandemic Committee, said the provincial government should have asked for help sooner because the province "is in a crisis close to meltdown."
Federal help "may take a little bit of pressure off the system," Talbot said, "but it's not enough to prevent a disaster."
Dr. Shazma Mithani, an ER physician in Edmonton, told CBC the province should bring in stronger health measures.
What the 'inadvertent error' in the PBO's carbon tax analysis means, in as plain English as possible
The next time you feel bad about a mistake in your line of work, spare a thought for the folks at the Parliamentary Budget Office.