Federal support needed but won't solve Alberta's COVID-19 crisis quickly, doctors say
CBC
As Alberta talks with Ottawa about potential pandemic aid, some doctors worry the province's COVID-19 situation could get worse before any federal help arrives.
The province has asked for help airlifting patients out of Alberta and to be lent critical care staff, particularly registered nurses and respiratory therapists.
But those transfers and training out-of-province staff pose logistical challenges, according to three Edmonton physicians. In interviews with CBC News, they said resources from other provinces could help reduce the strain on Alberta's intensive care units, but not immediately.
Federal help "may take a little bit of pressure off the system," said Dr. James Talbot, a former chief medical officer of health and current co-chair of Alberta's Strategic COVID-19 Pandemic Committee, "but it's not enough to prevent a disaster."
Talbot said the provincial government should have asked for help sooner because Alberta "is in a crisis close to meltdown."
The province last week introduced a proof-of-vaccination program, declared a health emergency and introduced other public health measures amid a surge in cases.
As of Wednesday, there were 1,040 patients in Alberta hospitals with COVID-19, including 230 in intensive care beds. Both numbers are the highest the province has seen.
