Royal Inland Hospital has once again postponed surgeries as overcrowding causes concerns heading in to the long weekend.
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
May 16, 2013 - 3:52 PM
OCCUPANCY AT 125%
Another five surgeries have been postponed this week as administration at Royal Inland Hospital prepares for a possible long weekend surge in the emergency room.
Health services director Kris Kristjanson says occupancy is at 125 per cent today with three elective surgeries postponed today and another two tomorrow. The surgeries represent a small percentage of the total number scheduled and the postponement is a last resort, he says.
This spring has not seen the typical ebb that occurs for the hospital following the busy winter season but long weekends typically do bring more people into the hospital.
“Some long weekends can be very busy," Kristjanson says. “The rule of thumb for May long is if it's sunny and nice we're busier.”
“Be prepared to wait,” he cautions, “but certainly if you are sick or ill in anyway come in to the emergency department.”
Kristjanson did not have available the number of surgeries postponed due to capacity issues this year. In mid-April 22 surgeries were cancelled to accommodate a capacity rate of over 130 per cent.
The trees in front of RIH were recently cut down as preparations are made for the next stage of RIH redevelopment.
To contact a reporter for this story, email jstahn@infotelnews.ca or call (250) 819-3723.
News from © iNFOnews, 2013