Surrey Memorial ER conditions shock woman
Visitor says she saw many patients in `obvious distress' in hospital hallways
A Maple Ridge resident who spent eight hours supporting a friend in the emergency room at Surrey Memorial Hospital Tuesday says she was shocked by the conditions staff face trying to treat patients.
Anna Willis' friend was placed on a bed in a narrow hallway at the back of the overcrowded department near a storage room. She was there for some tests that had been booked.
“As I navigated the labyrinth of hallways between her bed and the light of day, I was overwhelmed by the number of patients — many in obvious distress — and many very elderly,” she said. “It is obvious that doctors are speaking the truth when they say changes are needed.”
Willis reached out after reading a Postmedia story quoting Fraser Health CEO Dr. Victoria Lee denying claims that patients have died or suffered negative outcomes due to delays in care or a shortage of beds. Lee was responding to an open and unsigned letter from emergency doctors at Surrey Memorial which asserts that patients are facing severe adverse outcomes and dying because of shortages in acute beds and physicians.
In the May 10 letter, the doctors said it was common for patients “to linger for days without an admitting physician looking after them. Many patients have suffered, and some have died while waiting.”
It also said that a lack of acute beds is forcing admitted patients to wait in the emergency department.
“These patients take up beds and nursing support that would normally be used to treat incoming emergencies. This bed-block forces us to routinely treat strokes, heart attacks, traumas, miscarriages and palliative patients in the hallway.” On her way out of the hospital Tuesday, Willis said she saw television reporters being escorted out of the hospital.
Willis said she didn't witness anything in the emergency room that seemed like it could lead to a dangerous outcome or death due to extended waiting times. But she said she was concerned by what she saw. “I didn't have to help grab anyone, but certainly (patients and hospital caregivers) are in distress, serious distress. It's a low bar if we are discussing whether or not people are dying because of the shortages.”
In speaking with Postmedia, Lee acknowledged the hospital has seen a surge in the number of patients.
“We're also seeing more complex patients, and absolutely we're stretched in terms of hospital medicine physicians. However, there are no records that show that there have been deaths due to delays or waiting time to be seen.”