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Hospital Hallways Become Patient Rooms Amid Overcrowding Crisis
6 Mar
Summary
- Kingston General Hospital exceeded capacity, placing patients in hallways.
- CEO cited population growth and complex cases for the unprecedented surge.
- Staff face burnout and moral distress due to severe overcrowding.
Kingston General Hospital is experiencing severe overcrowding, with patient numbers significantly surpassing its 570-bed capacity. This has led to patients being placed in hallways, a situation described as lacking privacy and dignity. The hospital recorded its highest patient admission number last week, with 636 patients.
According to CEO Dr. David Pichora, the surge is a result of multiple factors including population growth, an aging demographic, and the hospital's role as a referral center for complex cases. Seasonal spikes from illnesses like flu and COVID-19 also contribute.
In response to the critical space shortage, KHSC is considering short-term solutions, such as moving administrative offices off-site to free up space for approximately 45 surgical and 11 ICU beds. A new hospital is planned but is at least a decade away.
Healthcare workers are expressing deep concern over the impact on patient care and their own well-being. They report moral distress and burnout, questioning how long they can sustain the current workload. While the provincial government has increased healthcare funding, union representatives argue it is insufficient to address the crisis.
