As COVID-19 cases spike in Southern California, hospitals in Los Angeles County are scrambling to accommodate an overwhelming influx of patients. With the healthcare system nearing its breaking point, some facilities have begun repurposing gift shop areas to treat those in need.
According to recent reports, nearly every hospital in the county has faced the necessity of redirecting ambulances due to capacity issues—over 90% of hospitals had to reroute emergency calls just one day last week. “It’s a crisis — there’s no doubt about it,” says Mark Thompson, Chief Executive of Riverside Community Hospital. “And the number of patients keeps growing.”
Intensive care units (ICUs) are reaching critical levels, with the latest figures showing 1,500 patients in ICUs across the county and only a handful of beds available. Approximately two-thirds of these beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. “We have to be innovative and resourceful, utilizing every available space we can,” Thompson explains.
If conditions worsen, doctors and medical staff may have to begin rationing care, prioritizing resources according to urgency, which could lead to tragic outcomes for individuals with manageable health issues. “We’re at a turning point. If the situation escalates, many hospitals will have to make difficult decisions regarding patient care,” warns Dr. Sarah Rodriguez, CEO of Green Valley Medical Center, which had 250 patients on Monday despite only having 120 beds.
Riverside Community Hospital is currently operating at 150% capacity and even temporarily suspended ambulance services. In addition to gift shops, conference rooms are being adapted for patient care, and medical tents are being erected in parking lots. “The strain is palpable across all facilities, but smaller hospitals are feeling the impact more severely,” states L.A. County Health Services Director Laura Kim.
Thompson notes that many patients who are not critically ill have been sent home to ensure that resources are available for those who need immediate medical attention. “In my 30 years in this field, I’ve never seen anything like this,” he added.
With the holiday season approaching, Dr. James Lee, Chief Medical Officer at L.A. General Hospital, cautions, “If there’s a surge from Christmas gatherings, we could face a scenario similar to what New York experienced last spring.”
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Summary:
L.A. hospitals are increasingly using unconventional spaces, such as gift shops, to accommodate a surge of COVID-19 patients, resulting in critical capacity challenges. With the potential for rationing care looming, healthcare professionals are adapting to unprecedented demands and urging the community to stay vigilant.