Hospitals in Massachusetts cancel non-urgent procedures due to staffing shortages

According to the state’s health authorities, hospitals in Massachusetts are set to cut back on non-urgent procedures because of the staffing shortages and longer patient hospital stays. Coronavirus cases have been rising in Massachusetts for several weeks but hospitalizations have risen at a lower rate. Authorities say that the pressure on hospitals relates to other consequences of the pandemic. The staffing shortage is largely driven by the pandemic and has contributed to the loss of approximately 500 medical, surgical and ICU hospital beds in Massachusetts, according to the state.

Hospitals are seeing an influx of patients who need more complex treatment health issues because they delayed visiting the doctor when Covid cases were higher. The new order issued on Tuesday applies to hospitals that have less than 15 percent of beds available and applies to procedures that were scheduled in advance and can be delayed without having a negative effect on the patient's health. The order does not apply to urgent and essential procedures. Authorities say that the order would help prepare for the increase in annual hospitalizations typically seen after Thanksgiving and through January. 

Marylou Sudders, secretary of health and human services of the state said on Tuesday, "Covid hospitalizations in Massachusetts remain lower than almost every other state in the nation, but the challenges the health care system face remain, and this order will ensure hospitals can serve all residents, including those who require treatment for Covid-19.”

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Source: The New York Times