January 27th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Western Maryland Health System, like most hospitals across the state, is experiencing an increase in volumes due to patients with the flu and flu-like symptoms.   Our inpatient census has been high over the past several weeks, which is often common during this time of year.  The Emergency Department also has been busy, especially this week.  Over the past few days, our patient volumes have been much higher than average, with our ED staff seeing an additional 25 to 50 patients each day.  All patients are assessed when they arrive in the ED and seen by the medical provider according to the severity of their condition.  However, treatment begins right away for those patients who do not see the provider immediately. Standard protocols are used to expedite care, and lab testing and other measures are started while they are waiting.  With these extremely high volumes, patients may need to wait longer than usual to see a medical provider.  Wait times vary widely based on the number of patients, and patient volumes are usually highest during the late afternoon and evening hours.  We regret that some patients may not see a provider as quickly as they would like.  We appreciates their patience as we do our best to respond to these periodic influxes of patients and ensure that all patients receive the care they need.  Patients are encouraged to see their primary care provider or visit an urgent care center when they begin to experience flu-like symptoms.  Early diagnosis and treatment can often be effective and may prevent the need for an Emergency Department visit.  In areas where there are multiple hospitals within close proximity, Emergency Departments with an overload of patients do sometimes request that non-critical patients be directed temporarily to another hospital. The practice at WMHS has been to continue to accept all patients since it is the only Emergency Department in Allegany County.   WMHS continuously monitors patient volumes, and staffing and other resources are adjusted to any fluctuations.