The Association of Anaesthesiologists of Malta (AAM) in a statement on Monday, voiced its “utmost concern” regarding the present Covid-19 situation in Malta.
“In particular, as an association of specialist doctors who are at the forefront in caring for the acutely and seriously ill, we are deeply worried about both the sudden increase in incidence of patients admitted to Intensive Care with life-threatening complications of Coved-19, but now also by the admission of young and previously completely healthy patients, without predisposing comorbidities or underlying chronic medical conditions.”
The Association stressed that “Covid-19 patients in intensive care present a great challenge not only in terms of increased workload but also importantly in the demand for a greater manpower resource.”
It added that, “this means more specialised and highly experienced anaesthetists, as well as specifically trained intensive care nurses, who provide 24/7 care to these patients.”
The Association highlighted the fact that “this precious human resource is already being stretched as things stand today, and one must realise that we are not yet in the winter or the Influenza season.”
“There is a definite limit to the possibility of this manpower expansion, and without these experts, the chance of survival of these critically ill patients with Covid-19 will undoubtedly be negatively affected.”
The Association stated that “it is high time, that as a Nation we start acting more maturely and level headed, and be proactive in our struggle against this serious viral infection. We need to act responsibly at all times and be more considerate of others.”
The AAM emphasised the importance of everyone following public health recommendations: wearing a facemask (which covers both nose and mouth), practising social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, avoiding all activities which might result in social distancing being impossible, frequent and proper hand washing, encouraging mass influenza vaccination and refraining from going anywhere if unwell.
“The present situation in Malta, demonstrates that this is not a minor viral illness,” the Association said. “It is is not similar to influenza. It does not select the frail, the elderly and previously sick only but can infect and affect anyone. Covid-19 has clear and definite potential to be life-threatening.”
“Let us therefore stand up to be counted, be more disciplined and act on the merits of scientific evidence and that alone,” the AAM said.
It said that, “as front liners we promise that we will continue to work tirelessly in our line of work to fight this pandemic. However, at this point the war cannot be won in the confines of hospital only.”
The AAM concluded by saying that it is “therefore encouraging a drastic change in attitude and behaviour to change the course of the pandemic in Malta so that we can combat this virus and help the critically-ill patients to the best of our abilities.”