The Fayetteville (N.C.) VA Medical Center announced it will temporarily downgrade its emergency department to an urgent care clinic until its staffing issues are resolved, according to a report from the Fayetteville Observer.
Officials at the Fayetteville VA said the change, which takes effect today, was decided upon with patient safety in mind after staffing issues with the contractor operating the ED came to light. The contractor has not staffed the ED with "an adequate number of well-trained physicians," according to the hospital.
Veterans who have received care at the ED in recent weeks have corroborated the official explanation, reporting short staffing and the absence of a medical officer. One patient reported showing up to the ED for a potential heart attack or stroke, only to be told there was no physician on duty, according to the report.
While the ED is downgraded, the urgent care center will provide acute medical treatment for psychiatric illnesses or minor injuries, laboratory work and X-rays. It will not provide emergency medical, pediatric or maternity care, resuscitative therapy or stabilization, and all ambulances will be redirected to local hospitals. Depending on the patient, the VA may cover the cost of care at another institution, according to the report.
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