Hospital Nacional de Niños reaches 100% ICU capacity

The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Hospital Nacional de Niños in Costa Rica has reached 100% capacity. Due to the lack of available beds, several children in critical condition are currently waiting in the Emergency service to be transferred to intensive care.

Marcela Hernández, the hospital's deputy director, reported that the Emergency department is also facing high pressure, with a 90% occupancy rate. Among the patients in Emergency, 16 are suffering from respiratory issues and 10 are currently on mechanical ventilation.

Additionally, the hospital's general hospitalization area is operating at 104% capacity, with 86 respiratory patients occupying beds intended for 67. The facility has recorded nine deaths linked to respiratory viruses so far this year.