SEN. KOLKHORST CHAIRS SENATE HEARING ON COVID-19 SURGE
The Texas Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, chaired by State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, met Tuesday at the state capitol to address the current rise in cases related to COVID-19.
(courtesy Office of Lois Kolkhorst)
Senators heard from experts on the status of staffing in Texas hospitals, the current trends in COVID-19 hospitalizations, fatalities, data and the impact of personnel shortages on capacity for care.
Kolkhorst said she is grateful to healthcare workers and support personnel who have “worked tirelessly throughout our state for nearly two years, caring for patients with severe complications from COVID-19.” She said, “Texans must work together to combat this healthcare staff shortage and make sure we can expand our hospital capacity for the entire state.”
During the hearing, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd said since last April, the state has provided $5.36 billion for healthcare workers, including nearly 23,000 nurses. Kolkhorst added that the federal government recently changed its method of finance, sending those dollars directly to local governments instead of the state.
The change in funding has led to new questions about how the state can continue centralized contracting as directed by Governor Greg Abbott on Monday, even as the federal funding is now being sent directly to local governments. Panelists representing hospitals and systems across the state agreed that they were willing to pay nurses from local sources, so long as the state could continue to assist in the procurement process.
Victoria Citizens Medical Center CEO Mike Olson testified on the current hospital staffing crisis facing Texas and the specific issues it is causing in rural Texas, including having to divert patients to far away cities. Olson also advocated for centralized state contracting to assist healthcare institutions across the state in acquiring personnel.
Other experts to testify included: Dr. John Hellerstedt, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Health & Human Services; Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, President and CEO of Harris Health System; Dr. Joseph Chang, Chief Medical Officer of Parkland Health and Hospital System; Dr. Marc Boom, President and CEO of Houston Methodist; Rebecca McCain, CEO of Electra Hospital; Ted Matthews, Administrator of Eastland Memorial; and Eric Epley, Executive Director of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council.