BCAT News

Hospitals across the country, including here in Massachusetts, are reporting a shortage of both inpatient and intensive care unit (ICU) beds as COVID-19 continues to spread and the Omicron variant makes its impact.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is monitoring the situation and collecting data from hospitals to give the public an idea of which medical centers are being hit the hardest and have either the most or least current capacity. The information presented in the chart below is from Monday, January 3 and shows that Burlington’s Lahey Hospital & Medical Center (LHMC) is on the lower end in regards to inpatient beds but compared to many of the other hospitals has an average amount of ICU beds available. 

However, some medical professionals are warning things at hospitals across the state will get worse in the coming days and weeks as the virus continues to spread. In a joint statement from the Massachusetts College of Emergency Physicians (MACEP) and the Massachusetts Emergency Nurse Association (MENA) they explained what they see coming down the road.

“Our Emergency Departments are at critical capacity and things will get worse,” the two organizations wrote. “Waiting rooms are overflowing and hospital admission beds are limited throughout Massachusetts. In the coming days and weeks, we will see more nurses, doctors and support staff become infected and stay home to isolate and get well. This situation will challenge our Emergency Departments and hospitals even more.”

See the chart for how area hospitals are faring in terms of capacity.

So how should this information affect residents? LHMC’s Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine and Hospital Based Specialties Malcolm Creighton, MD, says that there should be some consideration when deciding when people need to visit an urgent care center, their primary physician or make the trek to the emergency room. 

“The staff at LHMC is working very hard to care for all the patients who need us,” he said in a release. “Hospitals are facing high volumes in the emergency departments and it can be overwhelming to know who to call or where to go. For non-urgent or non-life-threatening symptoms, calling your primary care provider or going to an urgent care center may be a better option and help people avoid potentially long emergency department wait times.”

When To Contact Your Primary Care Physician

LHMC President David Longworth, MD, says primary care physicians know their patients and their patients’ medical history best. They can diagnose and treat non-urgent conditions such as minor infections, headaches, muscle pains, minor scrapes and bruises.

Examples of care available through primary care:

• Cold, flu and sore throat
• Ear, sinus or urinary tract infection
• Headaches and muscle pains
• Stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
• Minor scrapes or bruises
• Managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure

“Primary care providers also help manage a patient’s chronic diseases and are a valuable resource for patients in helping them to effectively manage their care,” said Dr. Longworth. “For some conditions, telehealth may also be an option, allowing the patient to have an appointment with their provider in the comfort of their own home.”

When To Go to the Urgent Care Center

Dr. Longsworth said for non-emergent injuries that are beyond the scope of primary care but don’t rise to the level of emergency care, urgent care centers are also an option. Urgent care centers can perform a multitude of tests — with some locations offering X-rays and lab services, and some centers offering IV fluids for dehydration or IV antibiotics for an infection. Additionally, visiting an urgent care center can save you time and money.

Examples of care available through urgent care:

• Sprains
• Minor animal bites or stings
• Minor cuts or burns
• Dehydration
• Pink eye
• Rashes or other skin issues
• Primary care concerns (if unable to see primary care provider)

Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) operates Lahey Health Urgent Care, Lynnfield located at 1350 Market Street. With on-site X-ray and laboratory services, they are open seven days a week and treat adults and children over the age of two. They are open seven days a week, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcome or call 781-213-4050 for more information.

When To Go to the Emergency Department at the Hospital

Dr. Longsworth said that for managing chronic illnesses or cold and flu symptoms, start with a call to your primary care physician’s office. For that sprained or broken ankle, rash, and other mild-to-moderate symptoms, going to urgent care can save you time and money. Patients needing more complex emergency care should call 911 or seek care at the closest emergency department.

Examples of care available through the emergency department:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Serious burns, cuts, or lacerations
• Broken bones or dislocated joints
• Fainting, changes in mental state, or slurred speech
• Head or eye injuries
• Weakness and/or numbness in one side

You should also visit the emergency department if another provider instructs you to do so, or if it’s your only option at the current time and location.

“We want patients to know that Lahey Hospital & Medical Center has options for addressing any medical concern,” explained Dr. Longworth. “Whether your need is best met by a primary care doctor, an urgent care center or if you need the emergency department, we are here to care for you.”