(MBC News)
The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital is warning patients about critical capacity pressures at both of its hospital sites.
Officials say a shortage of inpatient beds could lead to longer waits for people seeking non-urgent treatment in the emergency department.
Perth emergency physician Dr. Allan Drummond says the pressure is not caused by one issue alone. However, he believes limited space for admitted patients remains the main challenge.
Drummond estimates about 40 per cent of the hospital’s beds are being used by patients who have completed their medical treatment but cannot safely leave.
Some need a long-term-care placement, while others require community services or family assistance that is not available. Patients can remain in hospital for months while waiting for an appropriate option.
That delay prevents newly admitted patients from moving to inpatient units, leaving them in emergency department treatment spaces.
Drummond says Perth has roughly 12 emergency stretchers. When most are occupied by admitted patients, staff have fewer rooms available to assess people arriving with new illnesses and injuries.
Hospital officials say anyone experiencing a medical emergency should continue to call 911.
Other patients are being asked to expect possible delays and to treat physicians, nurses and hospital staff with patience and kindness while the capacity pressures continue.
