There's a shortage of beds at South Shore hospitals. A big run on the ER's at hospitals in Liverpool, Bridgewater and Lunenburg has resulted in an unusual number of patients needing to be admitted to the hospitals. Officials at South Shore Health say some of the causes include an elderly population, a high number of palliative care patients, warm weather, and complicated conditions that require longer stays. They say if you don't need emergency care, you should visit your family health care provider, call 811 to receive medical advice from a Registered Nurse, or visit the nearest walk-in clinic. South Shore Health hopes the bed shortage is eased shortly.