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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
In Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin, the Grand Est Regional Health Agency (ARS) activated the white plan in hospitals on December 14. What does this mean for patients? The answers from Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
“In a context of pressure observed on health establishments for several weeks, and after discussions with stakeholders, the ARS Grand Est has triggered the territorial mobilization plan” specifies the ARS Grand Est in a press release.
Why is the situation tense at the hospital?
At the end of the year, several reasons are putting pressure on the hospital in the Alsace region, according to the ARS. There is the bronchiolitis epidemic, the increase in the number of fragile people treated for flu or Covid-19 and the large number of elderly people requiring hospitalization, according to the ARS.
The white plan thus makes it possible to:
- Mobilize the health establishment to respond to a crisis situation;
- Mobilize medical staff;
- Mobilize the material and logistical resources of the establishment;
- Adapt the activity of the establishment.
“It’s a deviation from the white plan” denounces Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo. “Originally, the white plan is reserved for natural or non-natural disasters, such as attacks or an earthquake, for example. It makes it possible to mobilize staff, when hospital capacities are exceeded, in the face of a serious event. It is not an adjustment variable for the poor management of the hospital, which we use to recall staff from their leave, because we lack human resources and we close beds!”.
What are the consequences for patients?
The ARS also emphasizes that the activation of this white plan should not lead patients to give up their care. She therefore recommends consulting your GP or going to a walk-in care service and reminds:to call 15 before going to the emergency room“.
For Dr Gérald Kierzek, it is still a “loss of chance”for patients. “Activating the white plan amounts to deprogramming non-urgent operations, which represents a loss of opportunity for patients, whatever anyone says. It has become an easy solution to meet the needs of hospitals and it is scandalous“concludes the doctor.