INDIANAPOLIS — Pediatric hospitals around central Indiana continue to feel the strain of respiratory viruses like RSV.
Across the state, the Indiana Hospital Association noted Monday, 70% of pediatric ICU beds are filled. It added some facilities have only about 10% of PICU beds open.
“We always have surges but I’ve never seen it overwhelm the hospitals quite so much as what we’re seeing right now,” said Dr. Andrew Beardsley with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
On Monday, the northwest side hospital said its PICU is at capacity with half of its patients fighting RSV. This comes as the surge in the respiratory virus continues.
Riley Hospital for Children said on Monday that it's seeing “a 10% increase in patient volume over the last week.” Emergency room capacity downtown and the PICU at IU Health North-Carmel have also been expanded.
One tool unique to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital is called a chest cuirass, also known as a “turtle shell.” This treatment wraps around the patient’s chest and creates negative pressure to allow for easier breathing. It is key to RSV treatments, according to respiratory therapists at the hospital.
Peyton Manning Children’s said it is the only hospital with the technology in the state.
Hannah Lyell used the turtle shell during her six-day stay at Peyton Manning Children’s PICU. Last month, the then seven-month-old was admitted with RSV.
Her mother, Kym, said their Plainfield family is grateful for the care. Kym’s biggest fear is her daughter going on a ventilator. The Turtle Shell’s main goal is to create time for care providers and avoid a child going on a ventilator.
After a week’s hospital stay last month, Hannah is back home thriving with her twin brother, Nolan.
-
Bloomington Animal Care and Control calls on community to adopt, foster
Bloomington Animal Care and Control is full. They’re looking for folks to step up and adopt. The shelter has multiple incentives like waived or reduced adoption fees and events to home the animals.
Fire on north side injured man, left several displaced and kills three pets
The fire broke out around 7:56 p.m. at 9301 Racquetball Way, IFD posted on Facebook. It took IFD 25 minutes to get the fire under control.
Shepherd Community Center sees increase in need for mental health services
A community center on the east side of Indy is increasing access to mental health services for the kids and families they serve.
Faith leaders condemn Lt. Gov. Beckwith for Three-Fifths Compromise comment
The Three-Fifths Compromise counted Black people as three-fifths of a human being during slavery. Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith described the law as a "great move" in a video this week.
