CHAT News file photo

By Darren Rathwell with files from Chris Brown

Medicine Hat physician urges care with COVID over holidays

Dec 17, 2021 | 5:20 PM

“I’m very leery to be the pessimistic voice out there again. I would love (it if).. the fifth wave doesn’t hit us.”

But despite his hope for reduced COVID-19 cases, Dr. Paul Parks is concerned nonetheless.

He’s worried about the damage the Omicron variant could deliver to Alberta’s health care system, on top of what’s already been seen, following the fourth wave’s surge in hospitalizations.

The Omicron variant is spreading around the world with case numbers surging in multiple provinces including Alberta. On Friday, 173 cases of the Omicron variant were identified in Alberta, up from 119 on Thursday.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

21h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

And as much as many of us would like to, Dr, Parks says it’s no time to let our guards down.

“We all want to get back to some semblance of normal. But when we don’t know how Omicron’s gonna act and .. maybe it’s 10 times more infectious but half as virulent,” the results could still be a devastating impact to health care, Parks said.

CHAT News asked Parks, an emergency room physician, his thoughts on easing of restrictions by the Kenney Government in the lead-up to the holidays.

“It’s really worrisome. If any signals get out there that it’s ok (to not follow COVID-19 prevention measures) and that there’s no risk.. that ‘s concerning.”

Dr. Parks says health care staff are stretched thin.

“They’re exhausted. Fatigued. Morale is very low.. and you have to keep in mind with every wave nurses were demanded to stay longer They were demanded to come in on times off. They’re human too.”

He also says many staff have had little time to spend with family members over the course of the pandemic.

“I would think (Alberta Health Services) would openly admit we have a lot of historically high vacancy rates of nursing staff.. we’re extremely concerned how thin staffing already is.”

Count among his concerns a record amount of delayed surgeries caused by the pandemic and that a fifth wave will just add to the problem. He says it will take “many, many, many” months before the backlog is cleared.