The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital advised Thursday that it is experiencing capacity issues.
Combined with staffing concerns and occupancy rates, it means a shortage of beds and longer emergency wait times. Hospital president and CEO Karen Davies tells myFM the situation could worsen through the fall and winter.
As of Thursday, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital was dealing with 27 patients infected with COVID. This, combined with people hospitalized with respiratory ailments, has resulted in capacity issues at the facility. Davies tells myFM the coronavirus has hit the hospital harder than other hospitals in the region.
Davies cautions “We are experiencing a system under pressure across our entire region.”
She updates the very fluid situation in the emergency department.
And, keeping surgery functioning is a top priority, adds Davies.
It’s a tough environment right now, says Davies, and she and the staff appreciate the cooperation of those attending the hospital.
It’s a constantly shifting environment, cautions Davies.
She adds there are other options beside the emergency department.
Written by Ian McCallum
