IU Health Arnett addressing surge in patient volumes
LAFAYETTE, Ind. − No single source is to blame for a recent surge in patient volumes in urgent care or area emergency rooms, but IU Health Arnett Hospital reported taking steps to address an increased number of patients.
“We are seeing consistent, extremely high patient volumes in our Emergency department, as well as our Urgent Cares. As a result, we are converting some non-traditional areas of the hospital, such as the ambulance bay, into patient care spaces, much like we did during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Christopher Mansfield, IU Health Arnett chief medical officer, in a press release.
No singular cause −such as COVID-19, influenza or RSV − is driving the current surge, the health care system reported.
Steps IU Health Arnett is taking include equipping non-traditional spaces to care for patients, while remaining in contact with other local healthcare partners, such as Franciscan Health Lafayette East, who are also seeing higher-than-normal volumes.
“In many ways, this increased patient volume is, or may become, our new normal, and so we are taking the steps needed to provide excellent care for our patients now and to adapt for the long term.”
Rise in RSV in children, infants
A surge in respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV and affecting children and infants, has been overwhelming hospitals across the country since October. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site these symptoms of RSV: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing.
Utilize virtual visits during peak times
While those experiencing serious or life-threatening medical situations should visit the nearest emergency room, IU Health Arnett encourages those seeking care to consider on-demand virtual visits, which allows patients to see a highly skilled health provider right away, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Information and instructions on virtual visits can be found at iuhealth.org/virtualvisits.
Local urgent care centers are available from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. seven days a week. Locations and wait times can be found at iuhealth.org/urgentcare.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: IU Health Arnett addressing surge in patient volumes
