‘They’re only human’: Nurses dealing with burnout, fear at Foothills hospital

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Nurses working at the site of Alberta’s largest COVID-19 outbreak say they’re experiencing large amounts of stress and fear.

Staff at Foothills Hospital in Calgary said they’re worried about the outbreak that has already claimed three lives and forced over 100 staff members to self-isolate.

RELATED: Third patient dies in Foothills Hospital outbreak, over 100 staff members isolated

Kevin Champagne is with the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) and said with many nurses isolating, others are having to pick up the slack, work overtime, and just do more in general.

He believes the problem in the short-term is potential burnout.

“Obviously, patient safety is always at the forefront for us. I think right now, the nurses are starting to feel the burnout and the pinch.”

Champagne said nurses are willing to rise to the occasion and do that extra work, but the problem is they’re only human and he’s not sure how sustainable it can be.

“We have a little over 120 off on self-isolation. We have six units that are being impacted and at this time the concern is sustainability for staff to keep working at this pace.”

Meanwhile, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said Foothills Hospital is still safe for those who require treatment or medical attention.

At least 26 people have tested positive for COVID-19 from the hospital since the first case was detected in the cardiac unit last Friday.