September 15, 2022 3:54pm
Hanover and District Hospital (HDH) expects challenges like higher patient volumes, increased acuity, and staffing pressures to continue in the fall.
According to President and CEO Dana Howes, the past few months have been difficult.
“This summer, the hospital faced volumes that were really unpresented for us they were higher than our pre-pandemic volumes that we would typically see in our emergency department on our acute care, on our obstetrical unit, and we actually saw an increase in after hours surgical care as well,” Howes said.
Patient visits to the Emergency Department increased by 45% in the first quarter of the fiscal year when compared to the same period the year prior. The inpatient Acute Care Unit has also experienced an increase of 20% in volumes, as well as longer length of stay for inpatients. Howe said one of the contributing factors to the increase in length of stay for inpatients is the long wait to access Long Term Care beds in nursing home settings. The Family Centred Birthing Unit has also been very busy over the summer; temporary closures of programs in southwestern Ontario have had an effect on increased patient volumes in this area as well. This fall is also proving to be very challenging with the continued unplanned closures of other Emergency Departments in the region.
“As we are into September and well into the second quarter we are not seeing a decline in patient volumes and acuity, and we actually anticipate that these volumes will increase,” said Howes.
Howes pointed out physicians and front line staff worked extended shifts or rearranged planned vacations.
“We are very lucky to have such a highly dedicated group of physicians, and nurses, and allied health that really go above and beyond to ensure that our community is well cared for,” she said.
Howes said numerous staff members are facing burnout trying to meet increasing demands for healthcare.
“Our physicians, front-line and support staff did not get a break this summer. Every shift was covered, all while experiencing higher volumes and acuity. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the toll it has taken on our physicians and patient care teams,” she praised.
Howes noted when additional pressures are placed upon HDH, more staffing and funding resources are not provided. However, HDH has been working with the Ministry of Health to address these challenges. HDH has been able to recruit a number of Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory staff since the end of May. “One of the things that we are most proud of at HDH is that it is a great place to come and work. We are a collaborative team here and that shines through in all that we do,” Howes remarked.
She shared that the wellness and mental health of the staff and physicians is a priority for the organization. Yoga, a wellness tips newsletter, a Summer Solstice event and an Appreciation Week for physicians and staff were hosted by HDH’s Wellness & Mental Health Committee in an effort to provide some levity during these difficult times. While the summer has come to an end, the pressures that face HDH’s physicians and staff has not. The hospital continues to be concerned for what the future will hold in light of the continued closures of Emergency Departments in the region. Howes cautions that the current staffing state is not sustainable for staff and physicians without broader intervention.
“The local health system is under so much pressure. HDH has done a great job of remaining resilient; however, this cannot continue – more resources and innovation will be required to ensure that we can continue operating all of our programs,” she stressed.
She said talks continue with regional partners to try to find efficiencies to continue to serve the community.
” Just looking at the big picture.” she said, “What can we do? How do we challenge the status quo, and what do we think can make a difference for the patients that we serve,” she questioned.