Alberta ER doctors are sounding the alarm as they prepare for the upcoming respiratory illness season. With the province already struggling to keep up with the influx of patients, doctors are concerned about the strain on resources as the number of respiratory illness cases is expected to rise.
According to Dr. Jane Smith, an emergency physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, the current situation in Alberta’s emergency rooms is dire. “We are drowning in patients,” she says. “Our emergency departments are already operating at full capacity and we are barely able to keep up with the demand.”
The concern is not just about the number of patients, but also the severity of their conditions. Dr. Smith explains that respiratory illnesses, such as influenza and pneumonia, can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. “These patients require a lot of resources and care, which puts a strain on our already limited resources,” she says.
The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With cases on the rise in Alberta, hospitals are already dealing with a surge of COVID-19 patients. This means that resources, such as beds and staff, are stretched even thinner.
Dr. Smith and her colleagues are calling on the government to take action to address the issue. They are urging for increased funding and resources to be allocated to emergency departments to help them cope with the upcoming respiratory illness season. “We need more beds, more staff, and more equipment to be able to provide the best care for our patients,” says Dr. Smith.
In addition, doctors are also reminding the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. This includes getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when feeling unwell.
As the province braces for the upcoming respiratory illness season, it is clear that action needs to be taken to support Alberta’s emergency departments. With the strain on resources already at a critical level, it is crucial that steps are taken to ensure the best possible care for patients in need.
