Delmarva doctors, providers, nurses and everyone working in healthcare are doing everything they can to take care of people when they’re sick. Yet every day hospitals in our region are seeing avoidable illness and death as a direct result of COVID-19.

The situation is critical.

A spike in COVID-19 cases, other seasonal illnesses and the many health needs of our communities have come together to create a perfect storm for healthcare providers.  

Emergency departments are crowded, and patients fill every hospital room - with some waiting in hallways for an opening. The pandemic has strained operations and stressed people. Care in local hospitals remains exceptional but the ability to provide it is threatened.

During this time of increased COVID activity, hospitals are also facing escalating general patient care volumes coupled with unprecedented workforce constraints both within the hospital setting and throughout those post-hospital resources patients depend on.

You can help.

Please, if you do not have an emergency, don’t use emergency services. Save that space for someone who really needs it. If your issue can be taken care of by your family doctor or an urgent care, please try those resources first.

Don’t let health problems fester - sometimes people come to area Emergency Departments with serious issues that could have been prevented by a vaccination, a medication or an outpatient procedure. Make sure you keep up with regular appointments with your primary care provider and don’t wait until a small problem becomes major before you seek help.

Exercise patience and kindness. Patients and families are frustrated with waiting, and the care team is working incredibly hard, challenged to keep pace with demand. Every Delmarva healthcare team’s dedication under nearly two years of extreme pressure should be acknowledged and appreciated, and they deserve respect and gratitude.  

If you’re a normally healthy person experiencing symptoms like fever, muscle or body aches, exhaustion and loss of appetite without chest pain or shortness of breath, it’s best to avoid what are most often-particularly now-extremely busy emergency departments. Family physicians or urgent care centers are great alternatives for quick and effective care with colds and flus, leaving emergency department staffs to address other critical care needs.  

In addition, with the Christmas holiday coming:
• Get vaccinated and get your booster
• Wear a mask (even if you are vaccinated) and socially distance
• If you feel sick, get tested for COVID-19
• Get your flu vaccination
• Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to take these steps

The strain on the healthcare issue isn’t just happening locally and in Maryland - this is a nationwide issue for hospitals right now. Delmarva is known for pulling together to help neighbors, and this is a time to lean on that strength. Our whole community, not just our healthcare teams, can work together to ensure everyone has access to timely care in a healing and safe environment.