Community Update – June 29, 2021

Over the course of the past 48 hours, hospital capacity reached its maximum due to a high volume of ill and injured patients in the emergency department. This has stretched the capacity of staff and beds. Many hospitals in the state are experiencing some level of staffing shortages and increased emergency department and / or hospital visits. Some hospitals are even shutting down units due to the inability to staff those areas. Many major hospitals are also not able to take transfers, which makes the situation more difficult for rural hospitals like ours.

There are a few important announcements to note as the increase in patient emergency department visits continues:

• All non-urgent surgeries and endoscopies for Wednesday, June 30 have been postponed. Certain critical surgeries will proceed as scheduled.
• Wait times in the emergency department have increased, particularly for patients presenting with non-emergency needs. We understand this is frustrating. Your patience is appreciated.
• OMP Walk-In Clinics in both Port Angeles and Sequim are available for patients needing to see a same-day provider. If it is not an emergency, please talk to your primary care provider first or visit one of our walk-in clinics. Please continue to seek care in the emergency department or call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Please do not delay care.

Finally, thank you for your patience and understanding. If you know or interact with a health care provider in our emergency or walk-in clinic settings, please thank them for their care during this busy time.