A combination of Covid-19, flu, and other ailments has led to longer wait times in the emergency room at Beebe Healthcare’s hospital.
“We are currently experiencing a very high volume of patients at our Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus, which houses our main hospital. Much like what we experienced last January, we are caring for numerous sick patients in our emergency departments and in our hospital,” Beebe CEO David Tam said in a post on the healthcare system’s website.
In a Facebook Live video, Tam apologized for the delays. He also cited rapid growth in Sussex County as a factor. The county’s population was the prime contributor to Delaware being the seventh fastest-growing state in percentage terms, according to a recent report from the Census Bureau.
“Although different than last year, respiratory illnesses (flu, RSV, and Covid-19) are certainly having an impact on the health of our community and healthcare systems,” Tam stated, adding that Beebe is not alone on Delmarva in seeing busy emergency centers.
The situation facing hospitals has been described as a “tridemic” brought on by a combination of Covid-19, the flu, and RSV. A new strain of Covid-19 is said to be more resistant to booster shots. However, booster shots are recommended as a way for residents, especially those with underlying conditions, to stay out of the hospital or emergency room/
Beebe Medical Group Primary Care offices will expand their same-day appointment offerings in response to the additional volume.
A Centers for Disease Control county widget reports that Kent and Sussex counties remain at high risk for Covid-19, with New Castle County in the low category.
The CDC advises those living in high-risk counties to wear masks.