Hospital crowding concerns spark changes

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Lee Memorial Health Systems is taking action to make hospital visits run smoother.

“Over the past couple of years we’ve seen increases of 13 percent in our emergency department, which is much more than the growth that is actually taking place in this area,” said Scott Cashman, chief administrative officer at Cape Coral Hospital.

Patients often complain of waiting hours to get into the ER or more than a day to get a bed in the hospital. The wait tends to get worse during season, but Lee Memorial is trying to speed things up.

“If they show up to our emergency department, of course we don’t want there to be a wait for them,” said Cashman.

Some changes include skipping the emergency department all together. People may be able to get a hospital bed through their doctor.

“People won’t have to go to the emergency department, they may be able to go from their physician’s office directly to a unit.”

Doctors and specialists will be able to see all of your medical records and tests, hospital officials say this will also help free up beds.

“We progress them towards discharge and towards a home or to the next level of care,” said Cashman.

When it comes to the influx of people visiting the ER, Lee Memorial says it’s important to evaluate your symptoms. Sometimes you may need to visit an outpatient facility and not the emergency room which will save you time as well.

“Always make sure to assess yourself. It’s hard sometimes when you’re in a panic situation, but really try stop and think for a moment, ‘is this something that’s life threatening?'” said nurse practitioner Sarah McGregor.

Some of the changes will begin in September, others not until later this fall. They will all be rolled out in time for season and then stick around to help shorten times for year-round residents.