St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital is warning of capacity issues at this time, exacerbated by staffing challenges and an extremely busy emergency department.
It’s a situation hospitals across the province are facing.
And, results in hurdles for those who require immediate, emergent care.
Karen Davies, hospital president and CEO told myFM they are dealing with a greater than 30 per cent increase in ER visits.
Davies stresses capacity issues elsewhere in the hospital have not negatively impacted the surgical backlog, allowing surgeons to catch up on procedures cancelled or delayed due to the pandemic.
Factors leading up to the present strain on an already fragile healthcare system pre-date the pandemic, notes Davies.
A residual impact of the pandemic is burnout experienced by healthcare staff. It is impacting hospitals across the province, putting further strain on the stressed healthcare system.
Davies notes burnout and stress while caring for patients during the pandemic are the main reasons staff are exiting the healthcare field.
She pinpoints areas of the hospital where staff are particularly vulnerable to burnout.
Hospitals across the province are dealing with an uptick in violent behaviour directed at staff. To the point where hand-held metal detectors are now used in some areas of St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, advises Davies.
Davies predicts high inpatient volumes will continue over the summer and beyond, forcing hospitals to adjust their services.
Davies reminds, if your needs are non-urgent, consider other health system supports such as primary care providers, urgent care centres or Health Connect Ontario.
However, in emergency situations call 911 so responders can start immediate care and transport individuals to the best location for continued care.
Written by Ian McCallum
