Dr Schummer explained to RTL Radio that his fears were primarily focused on the treatment of non-Covid patients, amid concerns that medical procedures might be postponed or cancelled to allow hospital and staffing capacity for those suffering from Covid. He highlighted that hospitals were currently not over-extended, but that the situation was difficult to predict, and could not be compared to the situation in spring this year.
The current number of patients in hospital with Covid has risen over the past week. 23 patients were hospitalised in Kirchberg at the time of writing, crowding one unit, which has resulted in a department closure to allow staff to treat those with the virus. Five patients are in intensive care at the hospital, four of whom are on ventilators.
Dr Schummer expressed his concern over the hospital becoming overwhelmed, with several planned treatments already cancelled. At present, 100% of cancer treatments are going ahead, along with 50% of surgical operations, but it is not known whether this will be sustainable over the long term.
The biggest issue faced by the hospital is staff availability, said Dr Schummer, with around 60 staff members currently absent due to quarantine or isolation. Recruitment of staff from abroad is also on hold at present, which has sparked fears that Belgium or France will seek to recall medical personnel.
Different avenues are being considered to relieve the pressure on hospitals, whether by treating Covid patients at home or in a hospice, with the support of the attending physician.
The Health Directorate has also recently authorised medical staff in quarantine, that is, those who potentially had contact with a positive case, may continue working under extreme protective measures.
From Thursday, visits to patients will no longer be authorised at the following three sites: the Kirchberg hospital, the Zithaklinik and the Sainte-Marie hospital in Esch. This is to prevent potential virus transmission through those who may not respect sanitary rules in patients' rooms.
However, there are some exceptions: children in hospital are permitted to have their parents at their bedside, while expectant fathers can attend the birth of their babies. Visits may also eventually be possible for those nearing the end of life.
The Robert Schuman Hospital Group has recently been producing their own masks at the rate of 40,000 units per day.
The production of FFP2 masks in Luxembourg is scheduled for the end of 2020.
