As the nation's hospitals restore mask mandates and construct extra units in response to an increase in respiratory illnesses, the New Hampshire Hospital Association said its members are nearing 100% capacity.
In a Jan. 10 news release, the group advised hospitals to be vigilant about basic healthcare and hygiene measures — which fall to the wayside because of organizational and access issues.
"Added to an already high level of demand, workforce shortages and a continued inability to discharge patients due to constraints being experienced in long-term care and home care, hospitals are busy, and beds are full" from rising COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus cases, the association said.
Elliot Hospital in Manchester, N.H, is at 95% capacity, but its chief medical officer said the current capacity strains are similar to years past.
"We certainly have to deploy some more resources and plan accordingly, but this is something I think we're used to this time of year," Kevin Desrosiers, MD, told ABC affiliate WMUR 9.
Similarly, Darin Roark, BSN, RN, president and COO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, told the outlet the Dover, N.H.-based hospital has not had to delay any procedures so far.