Consider This from NPR COVID Public Health Emergency Ends, But For ERs, There's Still No "New Normal"
May 15, 2023
The conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency brings mixed emotions as emergency rooms confront ongoing challenges. Staffing shortages and sicker patients have become the new reality for healthcare workers. A visit to a Baltimore ER reveals the emotional toll on doctors and nurses, along with personal stories of patients dealing with delayed care. The struggle to adapt to a post-pandemic landscape is evident, with rising patient acuity and longer wait times affecting mental health care as well. Innovative solutions are in play, but resilience is key.
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Transition, Not Victory
- The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency is a transition, not a victory, as the virus still poses a threat.
- While many have stopped worrying, vulnerable individuals like Simhar Faseha and Vivian Chung still face real risks.
Nurse's Renewed Purpose
- Carol Ann Sperry, a nurse of 40+ years, found renewed purpose during the pandemic despite others leaving healthcare.
- She witnessed patients dying and felt privileged to be there for them when families couldn't.
Lasting Impacts on ERs
- Emergency rooms are experiencing a lasting impact from COVID-19, with staffing shortages and increased patient acuity.
- Since 2020, UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center lost 55% of its nursing staff, highlighting a nationwide trend.