Silverdale, Wash.-based St. Michael Medical Center has consistently made headlines after a nurse called fire crews to help work its overcrowded, understaffed emergency department in October.
The hospital has faced pushback since, including zero applicants for emergency department roles and a potential accreditation delay.
Chad Melton, the hospital's president, shared updates on its status at a Dec. 6 public health district board meeting reported by the Kitsap Sun:
1. The hospital currently has 280 inpatients, which "far exceeds" its capacity.
2. Emergency department volumes are increasing with unpredictable surges.
3. Staffing plans are tied to the emergency department levels, although call-offs and understaffing affect some shifts.
4. High-acuity patients are seen promptly, and patient care and outcomes are "excellent."
5. Hospital staff and local fire departments have met regularly since November to ensure better communication.
6. The emergency department is under new leadership and is working to staff, with new hires arriving in January.
7. An emergency medical services task force is working on preventive measures, like optimizing urgent care, recruiting primary care physicians, adding crisis and float pool nurses, exploring how mission control can support pre-hospital services, and increasing data-sharing.
8. The hospital is seeking a partnership to reduce low-acuity patients using the emergency department.