(Adair County) The number of patients we are seeing at ACHS in the clinics and hospital is the highest it has been since the pandemic began – even higher than the initial surge. In addition, extremely ill patients who require transfer to a higher level of care are remaining in our care at ACHS awaiting open beds in larger hospitals.
As a critical access hospital, we are not designed to care for critically ill patients. However, we do so when necessary, providing the highest quality of care possible to every single patient. This situation puts great strain and pressure on our healthcare system and our employees.
The shortage of staffed hospital beds continues to be a real and serious challenge across Iowa and the nation. Often there are physical beds that are open, but the issue is that there are not employees to care for patients in those beds, which is why they are referred to as “staffed beds.”
Larger hospitals even report patients remaining in the ER for several days waiting for transfer to ICU. While some of these patients awaiting beds in the proper level of care have COVID, others have different conditions or injuries. Unfortunately, the overall impact of COVID reaches into all corners of healthcare systems and patient care.
Amidst high patient volumes, extremely ill patients, long-hours and staffing shortages, our dedicated employees at ACHS have continued to shine. They have shown great strength and grit in the past two years. But they are continually being asked to do more and more; and are being stretched extremely thin.
The situation has recently reached an urgent level here at ACHS like at other hospitals, both small and large, across the U.S. We need your help now more than ever.
Please consider doing the following, which will help take care of yourself, your loved ones and our community, and will also help relieve pressure on our healthcare system here in Adair County:
-If you have not received the COVID vaccine, get vaccinated.
-If you have received the vaccine, please get the booster when you are eligible.
-Practice good hand hygiene, social distancing and stay home when you’re sick.
-Wear a mask when you are out in public – whether you are vaccinated/boosted or not.
-Avoid large gatherings at this time.
“We are grateful for your continued help and support as we navigate through this challenging time for us all.”
