HHS sends federal medical team to help children’s hospital address patient surge

Jan 03, 2023 - 01:46 PM
hospital_doctors_patient_child_900x400.jpg

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response Friday deployed a 14-member National Disaster Medical System team to the University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital to help support staff caring for a surge in pediatric respiratory illnesses, such as flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

“The arrival of the NDMS team couldn’t come at a better time,” said Anna Duran, M.D, associate chief medical officer of the UNM Children’s Hospital. “Our staff have been working very hard to provide the highest level of care to the sickest children in our state. But our staff are tired, many of them missed the holidays with their families, and they desperately need this help.”

On Dec. 2, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said states and health care providers may use regulatory flexibilities available during the COVID-19 public health emergency as well as HHS resources such as NDMS teams to help respond to non-COVID-19 illnesses straining hospital and health care systems.

Related News Articles

Headline
Study shows increases in postpartum primary care using automated scheduling
The results of a study published July 16 by JAMA Network Open showed a 19% increase in postpartum primary care provider visits for patients through the use of…
Headline
AHA podcast: How a Rural Health System Continues to Provide Essential Obstetric Services 
Kittitas Valley Healthcare, based in Ellensburg, Wash., was delivering 300-350 babies each year in the region prior to 2022, offering the area’s only…
Headline
Infographic highlights loss of hospital-based obstetric services in rural counties nationwide
An infographic released by the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center highlights the decline of maternity care access in rural counties across…
Headline
ASPR announces pandemic strategy to support bird flu threat to humans 
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response June 25 announced a flu pandemic preparedness and response strategy in response to the threat of…
Headline
HRSA announces Montana eligible for $5.4 million in federal funds for maternal and child home visiting program 
The Health Resources and Services Administration June 11 announced that Montana is eligible for $5.4 million in federal funding this year for the Maternal,…
Headline
FDA grants enforcement discretion for use of conjunctival swabs to test for bird flu in humans
The Food and Drug Administration last week granted enforcement discretion for the use of conjunctival swabs by laboratories as part of human testing for H5N1…