We note with interest the rise in Victorian hospitalisations of COVID, and the announcement of an elective surgery surge, the 2 of which are not compatible. Our ability to provide a service is still stretched. The reality is that our hospitalisations have risen from a low of 175 patients with COVID on March 12 to to 381 on April 11. This mirrors our rise in case active numbers over the same period from 40530 to 64899. The third factor in providing health services is staffing, and with multiple staff and their families affected by covid sick leave and exhaustion , high levels of absenteeism are limiting our ability to operate. Ultimately we will work as hard as we can, but the winter peak is coming and may mean more closures. We encourage you to have your covid vaccine (including 3rd and 4th doses) to stay well and help us care for our patients to the best of our ability.
