After the establishment of a new confinement in 16 departments, many caregivers testify to their relief.

They hope that this adjustment will be able to relieve the pressure on hospitals.

Europe 1 went to Valenciennes, in the North, to take the pulse of the hospital world.

REPORT

The third confinement in place since Friday evening takes a different path from the first two.

But even if "only" a third of the French are concerned and that the restrictions are a little more flexible, the turn of the screw reassures the caregivers.

In overloaded services, the Covid-19 pandemic has put doctors and nurses to the test.

"It gives us a little glimmer of hope," sighs Doctor Fabrice Granet, head of the anesthesia service at the hospital of Valenciennes, in the North.

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For several days, the caregivers of the intensive care unit have not had a moment's rest.

The doctor describes a service with 30 beds, to which can be added two beds on weekends thanks to the arrival of paramedical personnel.

"Here, we will soon be close to saturation," he notes.

"We work just in time and therefore the resuscitation beds are almost always full. We are on the cusp."

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No effects expected within 15 days

Despite the unpopularity of the confinement, generalized in the department, the doctor and all the staff welcomed the news with relief.

"Even if we are aware that the population is tired, the staff, the doctors, the nurses, the orderlies are also tired."

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If he hopes that the measure will help reduce the influx of patients in intensive care, he does not expect immediate effects on the number of patients received.

According to Dr. Fabrice Granet, it will be necessary to wait several days.

"There is always a time lag between the start of confinement and the drop in the influx into intensive care and intensive care. It takes about two weeks."

For another fortnight, the teams will have to "bite the bullet".

During this period, patient transfers will continue.

Some departures are planned this week, in particular to Belgium.