With the surge in respiratory illnesses such as the flu and RSV, officials at Multicare Yakima Memorial Hospital are calling for community cooperation to alleviate pressure on the emergency room.
According to a press release the hospital is currently operating at "full capacity," prompting hospital officials to urge residents to seek alternative care for non-emergency health issues. According to a press release from the hospital if you are experiencing an emergency, don't hesitate to visit the emergency room, however, for non-emergency situations, they encourage you to visit your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic.
The hospital reports an influx of patients experiencing respiratory symptoms, leading to overcrowded conditions in the emergency department. To help manage this situation, officials recommend that anyone feeling sick should wear a mask to protect themselves and those around them during this challenging "respiratory season."
In addition to mask-wearing, hospital officials have provided a list of preventive measures to help reduce the spread of illness:
Patients visiting Multicare Yakima Memorial Hospital and its clinics may be required to wear medical-grade masks when receiving care. This ongoing precaution is intended to protect both patients and healthcare workers in light of rising illness rates.