HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The CEO of Crestwood Medical Center, Dr. Pam Hudson, says that the biggest issue they are facing right now is a shortage of bedside nurses to care for sick patients.
Crestwood has enough beds and ventilators for the number of sick patients they are treating, but staffing has been tough.
"It's not the beds, it's the staff to manage the beds," Hudson said.
The Alabama Hospital Association announced on Wednesday, August 19 that there weren't any available ICU beds in the state.
To slow the spread, Hudson recommends the vaccine for everyone that is able. She understands some people have hesitations and she addressed this in a Facebook live.
Hudson gave a special thanks to healthcare personnel working to keep everyone safe.
"I also want to recognize our essential healthcare workers," Husdon said. "Folks in environmental services, [the] cafeteria, all the things that help to support patient care."
The President and COO of Huntsville Hospital, Tracy Doughty, also took a moment to thank healthcare workers during the Huntsville Area COVID-19 update briefing on Wednesday, August 18.
"I want to first take a brief moment to say thank you to our healthcare workers in North Alabama," Doughty said. "Without you, the community wouldn't be as safe as it is."
To stay updated on the latest information about COVID-19, monitor the Alabama Department of Public Health's website.