Beds in the pediatric intensive care unit of the state network of Santa Catarina are almost all occupied. According to data released by the state government and last updated at 11 am this Friday (19), only one unit out of 121 operating in the state is available. As a result, the overall occupancy rate reached 99.17%. Of the seven regions, six have 100% bed occupancy.

In six regions of Santa Catarina, all beds in pediatric intensive care units are occupied. Photo: Roberto Carlos Bortolanza/NDTV Chapeco

According to the latest update, among the regions Planalto Norte and Nordeste are the only ones with free beds, where the occupancy rate was 97.30%. The only vacancy in the state is at the Jaragua Hospital and Maternity Hospital in Jaragua do Sul. The region has the largest number of active pediatric intensive care beds (37).

As regards the regions of Foz do Rio Itajai, Vale do Itajai, Greater Florianopolis, South; Midwest and Serra Catarinense; and in Grande Oeste, all pediatric intensive care beds are occupied.

The data is updated and available from SES Bed Group (Santa Catarina Department of Health).

Beds are occupied in six regions – Photo: Governo SC/Disclosure/ND

neonatal beds

Santa Catarina also has high occupancy in neonatal intensive care units. Of the 234 active beds in the state, there are five.

Of the seven regions, four are filled to the maximum. These are: South; Greater Florianopolis; Mouth of the Itazhai River; and Plateau North and Northeast. The rest have occupancy rates above 90%.

Of the five available neonatal intensive care beds, three are in Vale do Itajaí hospitals. Another is available in the Midwest and Serra Santa Catarina region and one in the Great West region.

SC had five neonatal intensive care beds available – Photo: Governo SC/Disclosure/ND

Adult Intensive Care Beds

In terms of beds for adults in intensive care units, the state has 26 units out of 826 in operation. Two regions with maximum population appear: Foz do Rio Itajai and Vale do Itajai.

Four more have a rate above 96%. These are: northern and northeastern plateau (97.45%); Great West (96.67%); Greater Florianopolis (99.32%), Midwest and Serra Catarinense (97.66%).

The Southern Region has the lowest occupancy rate (88%) with 15 beds available.

As of the latest update, there were 26 adult ICU beds available on the South Carolina public network. Photo: Governo SC/Disclosure/ND

Increase in attendance

The Department of Health said that Santa Catarina is experiencing a seasonal moment with an increase in cases of viral infectious diseases such as dengue fever and respiratory illnesses. The diseases have led to an increase in attendance at the public health system.

With regard to beds in intensive care units, the secretariat reported that at the beginning of the month contracts had been renewed with seven hospital wards for the care of pediatric patients.

There are also plans to open ten more neonatal intensive care beds at San Jose Regional Hospital, three of which are already operational. The folder also highlights that in Greater Florianopolis, Joan de Gusmão Children’s Hospital has opened seven new pediatric beds to meet emergency demand, and that the unit is expanding its pediatric staff.

In addition, the SES notes that in the event of a shortage of beds in the state network, the state will look for beds in the private network to meet demand.