COVID in Context: ICU capacity fluctuates day to day in Brazos County hospitals. Why?

Brian, Texas (KBTX)-According to the Texas Department of Health Services, the number of beds in the intensive care unit (ICU) in the Brazos Valley fluctuates every day.

In the past month, the total number of ICU beds has ranged from less than 40 to more than 70 between the available beds and the beds occupied by COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.

Why is this so?

All ICU beds in N Trauma Service Area N, including most of Brazos Valley County, are located in Brazos County itself, St. Joseph Health Center and Bellescott & White Hospital.

KBTX asked the two hospital systems why the number of ICU beds changes every day.

Saint Joseph’s Health Center said that due to the relatively large number of staff, changes occur every day. Factors affecting staff availability include shift changes, transfers and travel nurse arrangements.

The full statement is as follows:

Baylor Scott & White Health stated that their current healthcare plan has taken advantage of all available patient care space in their College Station hospital.

On January 13, BSW extended its interpretation with the following statement: