AHS will add additional waiting rooms to ease the stress of the influx of patients at Alberta Children’s Hospital – Calgary

Alberta Health Services has added additional waiting rooms to help ease stress from the influx of patients at Alberta Children’s Hospital.

As the number of respiratory illnesses among Alberta’s youth continues to rise, so does the strain on the health care system.

AHS said there has been a 20-30% increase in daily visits to its emergency department. On Nov. 25, Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary and Stollery in Edmonton « had reached or exceeded 100% of hospitalization capacity. »

“Hospitals are able to accommodate patients at more than 100% of normal capacity during peak hours,” AHS spokesperson Kerry Williamson said in a statement to Global News on Saturday. “Our healthcare teams are doing everything they can to see and treat patients as efficiently as possible during this time.

Due to the surge in patients, AHS said a « fast-track zone » has been activated to expedite treatment for emergency department patients with less severe illnesses. Care areas are also being opened and staffed where possible to help deal with the large increase.

« ACH has added additional space in the waiting area for use during times when the hospital’s emergency department is at capacity, » Williamson noted. “A heated trailer will be located next to the emergency department to provide additional sheltered waiting space if needed.

“This extra space is a comfort measure to help reduce overcrowding and weather conditions and will not be used as a main treatment area.

This additional space should be operational at the beginning of December.

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