A coronavirus patient arrives at the CHU Pontchaillou, in Rennes, after a transfer by train from Ile-de-France. Here April 1, 2020. - David Vincent / SIPA

  • Twelve patients with severe forms of the coronavirus were treated at the CHU Pontchaillou this Wednesday.
  • Transferred from Paris hospitals by train, they were welcomed into the resuscitation department of the Rennes hospital.
  • The management of the establishment ensures that its services are sufficiently staffed to cope with the epidemic.

The ambulances follow each other and leave Rennes station one by one. Without siren, without beacon, they circulate in the deserted streets of Rennes. Like all of France, the Breton capital is confined. But unlike other French regions, it is currently relatively unaffected by the coronavirus epidemic. This Wednesday, his CHU therefore agreed to welcome twelve patients with severe forms of Covid-19 in order to relieve the overcrowded Parisian hospitals.

Immersed in a deep sleep, the patients do not even realize that they left the French capital by train to join Rennes. They did not feel anything either when we installed them in the resuscitation department of the largest hospital center in Brittany. Tuesday, this service specifically reserved for patients with Covid-19 had 30 beds, of which fourteen were already occupied. By adding the twelve patients admitted this Wednesday, we can estimate that the service is almost complete. Should we be worried, when the peak of the epidemic has not yet hit the region? "We have no problem accepting patients," said Professor Yves Le Tulzo on Tuesday.

Reception of 36 patients from the Paris region covid 19 today in Rennes, Saint-Brieuc and Brest. Proud of the mobilization of Breton caregivers within the framework of the national solidarity system. #COVID ー 19 # Arsbretagne pic.twitter.com/vTDLGnkQut

- Mulliez Stephane (@MulliezS) April 1, 2020

The head of the intensive care and resuscitation department was obviously consulted to find out if it was possible for him to receive patients who were heavily affected. “Half of the service was occupied, but it's a dynamic situation. We know that five to six people are on the way out, ”says the professor. “We know how to respond to this kind of situation. We wouldn't bring sick people from Paris if there were no beds in Rennes, that's obvious, "insists Professor Gilles Brassier, president of the CHU's medical commission.

"The ramp-up is moderate"

While waiting for a possible epidemiological peak, the Rennes hospital claims to have the situation "under control". "The ramp-up is moderate for the moment," says Professor Le Tulzo. What if the number of patients suddenly increases in the region? "There are devices that will allow us to gain resuscitation beds in the establishment," promises the head of service. Beds reserved for surgery could thus be allocated to the care of Covid-19 patients, in particular thanks to the postponement of non-urgent medical interventions.

With just over 1,100 reported cases, Brittany is relatively unaffected by the coronavirus. If this continues, the region could also welcome other patients, according to the director of the regional health agency. "It is not impossible that we can continue medical evacuations," said Stéphane Mulliez. "There is a strong need for national solidarity to come to the aid" of the most affected regions. Provided that Brittany does not become one.

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