LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) – Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center’s ER is facing capacity issues due to a spike in respiratory illnesses and officials say patients with less pressing needs could face long wait times.
Dartmouth Health officials Wednesday said the capacity issue the past several weeks has been exacerbated by the ongoing shortage of health care workers that most other level 1 trauma centers face across the region.
“If you must be admitted to the hospital, there are waits, sometimes for up to 24 hours, for inpatient beds,” Dartmouth Health CEO Joanne Conroy said in a statement. “I understand—and everyone who is working hard to care for you understands—that these wait times are very frustrating. Please know that we’re working hard to address these capacity issues. Providing you and your family the high-quality care you need, when you need it most, is our highest priority.”
While officials say they will continue to prioritize the sickest patients, including those experiencing potential heart attacks or strokes, they say patients with less pressing concerns should expect extended wait times.
Related Story:
Shortage of workers at step-down facilities lead to UVM ER crisis