Emergency Rooms Overcrowded
May 12, 2001
California's experience with emergency room overcrowding three years ago has spread throughout the rest of the Nation. Ambulances often pass by the nearest hospitals and must travel farther as emergency rooms are increasingly closing their doors to incoming patients. "This is a symptom of an entire health care system under extreme stress," says Howard Koh, commissioner of public health in Massachusetts.
The state of Massachusetts is considering asking the National Guard for help in treating the growing number of patients seeking emergency room care. Las Vegas paramedics often leave patients unattended in emergency waiting rooms because there are no available beds. "I am unaware of any major urban area of the country that is not struggling with this problem," says Arthur Kellerman, a professor at Emory University School of Medicine.
The problem stems from several sources including an increasing number of hospitals closing their doors altogether, others cannot find trained personnel and must therefore cut back on available beds. All this is coming at a time when more people are seeking medical care through the emergency room than ever before. The working poor often cannot afford to see their doctor when a health problem first appears. As a result they wait until the situation becomes critical and visit an emergency room as a last resort. Emergency facilities are required to treat even those without funds to pay for the medical services provided. Many poor use emergency rooms as a primary care provider.
Is there a solution? More funding for hospitals and an increased emphasis on training nurses and other healthcare professionals are key.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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