Gov. Doug Burgum and chief medical officers and physicians from several of the state’s largest hospitals today warned that hospital capacity in North Dakota is reaching critical levels and urged the public to help reduce the need for hospitalization.
Regional centers are currently unable to support critical access hospitals as they have in the past, and providers have seen adverse outcomes due to delays in care, said Dr. Chris Meeker, chief medical officer at Sanford Bismarck. North Dakota’s six largest hospitals reported 43 patients were deflected to other facilities, including six psychiatric patients; and 29 patients were waiting in emergency departments to be admitted to the hospital.
Currently, approximately 65 North Dakota National Guard members are on duty in support of the NDDoH to augment health care staff.
“Right now, stepping into a hospital in North Dakota is like stepping into an alternate reality” according to North Dakota Medical Association VP Joshua Ranum. He goes on to say hospitals are at a redline capacity and will likely be that way for several more weeks.
The medical officials suggest several ways the public can help reduce hospitalizations:
• Avoid dangerous or high-risk activities that could cause serious injury.
• See your primary physician regularly and take care of your chronic health conditions.
• Make sure vaccinations are current for you and your children.
• Wash hands, social distance and wear a mask to help against all respiratory viruses.
• If you are sick with any respiratory virus, stay home and isolate to avoid infecting others.
• Practice defensive driving. There have been many recent high-trauma vehicle accidents in North Dakota. Obey traffic laws, use caution in construction zones, avoid distracted driving, use seat belts and helmets, and don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Consider a telehealth option if you aren’t feeling well.
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