Valley hospitals monitor bed capacity due to staff shortage

PHOENIX – HonorHealth announced Monday that they are monitoring their daily bed capacity amid staff shortages and growing numbers of patients.

In a statement, a spokesperson said he was facing a significant increase in cases of COVID-19 and other diseases like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and West Nile virus.

They added that hospitals are also catching up with “pent-up demand for procedures” that has been delayed during the ongoing pandemic.

The organization said it monitors bed capacity and other resources on a daily basis to determine whether it needs to postpone less urgent surgeries to allow health workers to treat patients with urgent needs.

HonorHealth said the demand for care is even more difficult as the organization also faces staff shortages.

“This request further calls into question an already strained staffing situation, not only here, but across the valley, the state and the entire country. Since the start of the pandemic, some have left healthcare workers due to the number of people working in this difficult pandemic environment has taken them and their families. HonorHealth is fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated employee and medical staff, many of whom have worked shifts and overtime, and who continue to provide exceptional care, ”said the press release.

They added that they are asking the community for their help as the pandemic continues.

“Our healthcare team goes out of their way to take care of you, and HonorHealth calls on all members of the community to support our healthcare heroes by interacting with them in a respectful manner and committing to take preventative action to COVID-19 that have been recommended by the CDC, including vaccination, proper mask and hand hygiene. For prevention of West Nile virus, please commit to using an EPA registered mosquito repellant . It is also important to get your flu shot this fall. These measures will be used to avoid unnecessary disease effects, reduce the pressure on our health system, respect the members of the care team who mobilize every day to respond to your healthcare needs and ensure that we can continue to provide services to all who need them, ”said HonorHealth.