Longest ER wait times in the nation: reported in Maryland

Both patients and doctors were struggling with long ER wait times in Maryland. The health industry faces continuous challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. It is classified as the most extensive emergency room wait time off late. The problem is so huge and has amplified so much in Maryland that it is now said that the state has the most extended ER wait times in the country. The doctors and patients have been expressing their frustrations regarding the same! Further, they have been saying that it is now getting ridiculous!

Time is of the essence during an emergency.

It is rightly said that time matters the most during an emergency. The quick treatment of a patient makes all the difference between his life and death. Dr. Paulette Hunter, a former Prince George’s County paramedic, expressed his grief for Maryland because it has the nation’s longest emergency room wait time. She added, “I’m furious. I’m upset because I’ve experienced it and know firsthand it’s unacceptable.” The average wait time in a Maryland emergency room is 3 hours and 48 minutes, according to a recent review put into the light. Dr. Hunter says her husband was suffering from consciousness very recently, and thus, they dialed 911. An ambulance came, but no single hospital was available in Maryland due to a shortage of space, and therefore, he could not get the proper treatment. Also, she and her husband had to travel to Virginia to seek medical attention. She said, “I’m angry.” She added, “And that is why I am writing a letter to my congressman, senator, governor, and county executive because something has to be done.”

Issues in hospitals in Maryland

The hospitals across Maryland are stretched, and multiple issues apart from covid 19 were reported to the issues list. Bob Atlas, president and CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association, further broke down everything happening inside the various health facilities across the region. Adrian Jennings is a hospital management expert and chief product officer for Cognosos, a technology company that has been working to shorten emergency wait times. He added that long waiting times are frustrating! Also, he talked about the wasting time that hospitals do while all their medical devices and equipment remain spread across the facility, and thus, they need to be managed well.
Resources:
https://www.fox5dc.com/news/maryland-hospitals-have-the-longest-emergency-room-wait-times-report