Monday, December 21, 2009

Overcrowding at South Shore ER

South Shore Health is dealing with overcrowding at its Emergency Department on a daily basis. Acting CEO Alice Leverman says it's a struggle. Some days there are people admitted and no beds. She says there have been stretchers in the hallways and people have waited for up to three days for a bed. Leverman says patient care has not been compromised as quality care is job one. Nursing staff and doctors are continually assessing patient needs, but she says there is a lot of frustration among staff and on the part of families and patients. She says they are looking for some relief with the opening of new long term care beds. 65 of those will be operated by Shannex in Bridgewater this May, while there are also beds opening in Lunenburg, New Germany and New Ross.