After Pawtucket, R.I.-based Memorial Hospital closed in 2017, The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, both in Providence and operated by Providence-based Lifespan, have seen a significant increase in patient volume, prompting more patient diversions, according to a WPRI news report.
WPRI analyzed five years of Rhode Island health department data that revealed drastic increases in patient diversions, from 44 in 2014 to 322 by late October 2018.
Total hours on diversion also increased from 206 hours in 2014 to 1,343 in 2018 to date. Diversions are also up this year when compared to 2017 data, when Rhode Island hospitals diverted patients a combined 168 times for a total of 914 hours.
Rhode Island Hospital had 21 diversions in 2017 and 56 in 2018, while The Miriam Hospital had 34 diversions in 2017 and 83 in 2018.
Providence's emergency medical service providers are working with local emergency departments to ensure patients get timely care, Providence public safety commissioner Stephen Pare told WPRI.
"Since Memorial Hospital closed, the demand on Miriam and RIH has caused some stress on the system," Mr. Pare said. "Our EMS work within the system and will bring critical patients to the appropriate emergency department."