SVMC experiencing high patient volumes
Sierra View Medical Center (SVMC) Friday morning set up a command center and put out a high census alert due to the increasingly high volume of patients coming through the Emergency Department.
Inpatient occupancy is currently still relatively high, creating situations where most SVMC staff to patient ratio is still high.
People needing to be admitted from the Emergency Department will have to stay for longer periods of time. The increased activity means that nearly every area— whether it’s providing direct patient care or supporting patient care—is experiencing greater demand for its services.
As of Friday afternoon, the Emergency Department was at a 4.5 hour wait time; approximately 10 people were in holding in the Emergency Department, and an influx of flu cases rose. SVMC anticipates the census to be in effect throughout the weekend and potentially into next week.
The Emergency Department is currently admitting patients, but if citizens of the area are not experiencing anything life threatening SVMC is asking them to please see either their primary doctors or surrounding familiar clinics first.
This will help in taking the pressure off of the Emergency Department. The hospital says they will continue to evaluate and adjust needs and will keep the community updated. They would appreciate your help in getting the message out to the community, as patient care and their safety comes first.