An ER doctor says he doesn’t believe new urgent care centres will make a dent in ER wait times, simply because patient numbers are not the cause of the problem.
A line-up at the new Urgent Care Clinic (VOCM News)
Demand at the new urgent care centre in the capital city’s east end has been high since it opened its doors last week, diverting patients with cuts, breaks and sprains away from emergency rooms.
Dr. Scott Wilson says that’s great for patients who are orphaned without a family doctor, but the real issue is the lack of beds in hospitals that is causing overcrowding and extended wait times in ERs.
He says overcrowding is caused by patients who have been admitted but can’t be moved into the hospital and must stay in emergency room spaces.
That, says Dr. Wilson, blocks up emergency room beds that are designed for patients who are waiting there. He says until those beds are freed up, “you’re not going to decrease wait times.”
He says he has faith that the current administration at NLHS understands the issue.
