A number of changes are being enacted within Niagara Health Critical Care due to increased pandemic-related pressures.
Over the last week, the number of physicians and staff working in ICUs have increased, requiring the redeployment of staff from other areas.
At the St. Catharines site, 12 Level 3 ICU beds will be opened in the post-operative recovery area for some COVID-19 patients, and post-operative patients will be cared for in a different area.
As of this afternoon, the site is caring for 82 COVID-19 patients, with 24 in the ICU.
As a result, the overall ICU capacity is at 121 percent, and the Level 3 ICU capacity - the highest level of ICU care - is at 164 percent.
To date, 60 patients have been transferred to Niagara Health from outside Niagara, with 28 currently in hospital.
Niagara Health is urging the public to continue following public health measures including wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and social distancing.
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