Flu and Bronchiolitis Epidemic Pushes Bouches-du-Rhône Hospitals to Breaking Point

Hospitals in the Bouches-du-Rhône region are facing unprecedented pressure reminiscent of the Covid-19 crisis due to a severe flu and bronchiolitis epidemic. Emergency services report a 17% rise in cases compared to last year, with emergency visits from December 15 to 22 increasing by nearly 9%. Occupancy rates highlight the strain, with adult intensive care units at 80% capacity and pediatric units at 84%. The prefecture has requisitioned about 15 doctors to address the surge, but healthcare unions like Sud Santé warn this underscores critical staff shortages worsened by years of budget cuts and current epidemics amid holiday absences. They are calling for the immediate activation of the 'plan blanc' emergency protocol to manage the crisis more effectively. Despite the high activity, the regional health agency (ARS) maintains that the situation remains under control, and emergency departments have made mask-wearing mandatory to limit spread. In a related development, hospital federations have expressed concern over the government's decision to keep hospital reimbursement tariffs stable for 2026, interpreting it as an imposed austerity measure during a time when resources are desperately needed. This combination of increased patient demand and financial constraints highlights the mounting challenges facing the region's healthcare system.