Newman Regional Health is not immune to the spike in hospitalizations seen elsewhere in Kansas and across the nation, both from coronavirus and other illnesses.
The hospital has had “an extremely busy week” according to Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright on KVOE’s Morning Show on Wednesday.
What constitutes capacity at Newman Regional Health and other hospitals isn’t what you may expect. Many national media outlets concentrate on available bed space, but Wright says the situation to track is staffing. Newman Regional Health has 60 available beds, but the practical staffing capacity is 30 and can be reduced significantly because coronavirus is among several instances where each patient requires several medical staffers. Newman Regional Health’s Critical Access patient limits have been waived since the virus triggered a national emergency in mid-March.
Wright says the hospital is taking several steps to address the current situation. Patient visitation will come to an end Thursday due to the increased illness activity. The hospital is also working to increase staff hours, but that’s getting increasingly difficult with the amount of traffic recently.
Parking on the south side of West 11th Street and the east side of Oak near the testing line has been blocked to avert any issues with people needing COVID tests.
Wright also encouraged residents to keep using the “Call Before You Go” process so doctors can review symptoms over the phone and then schedule the patient at the correct site for the correct test. COVID-19 tests need “medical necessity” and a doctor’s order. Wright says patients who don’t have a primary care provider or need to be seen on weekends can go to Newman ExpressCare for care.
