Flu, bronchiolitis, Covid… ARS activates the White plan in Alsace hospitals

The Grand Est regional health agency (ARS) activated the White plan in Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin on Thursday due to the tense situation in the departments’ hospitals, hit by an epidemic of bronchiolitis and the return of influenza and Covid-19. Activation of the White Plan allows plant directors to reorganize themselves, for example by descheduling activities considered non-urgent or by reorganizing staffing levels.

“In the face of pressure observed on health care institutions for several weeks, and after discussions with stakeholders, ARS Grand Est has initiated a territorial mobilization plan,” she states in a press release. “It asks public and private institutions in the Lower and Upper Rhine to activate their internal plan. White plan and calls for the coordinated mobilization of all health professionals. »

ARS suggests that you consult your doctor first.

In Alsace, the hospital situation is currently tense for several combined reasons: an epidemic of bronchiolitis in infants, an increase in the number of vulnerable people being treated for influenza, Covid-19 or other respiratory viruses requiring hospitalization, an influx of elderly patients requiring hospitalization, and a small the number of beds at the exit of emergency services due to tension among medical and nursing staff, ARS clarifies.

The latter, however, reminds that the activation of the Bely plan should not lead to a refusal of medical care, and invites victims to contact their doctor or a help center without an appointment. “In all cases, the public is asked to call 15 before going to the emergency department,” she concludes. In recent weeks, White’s plan has been activated in various hospitals in France.