At the end of August the hospital announced it would close the ICU due to low patient volume, convert the ED into an urgent care center and end inpatient surgeries.
Erie VAMC employees who are members of the union SEIU Local 200United are rallying to urge the hospital to delay closing the ED and ICU until an independent review can determine the root cause of the closings. The employees oppose the closure because it could displace ED and ICU employees. They also claim there is a demand for ED services. While the hospital’s ICU census has been down to nearly one patient a day, the ED treated a record 695 patients in August, according to the report.
Michael Adelman, MD, Erie VAMC director, said most ED patients come during the day and are not brought in by ambulance, and so could be treated at the urgent care center, according to the report. Dr. Adelman also said no permanent workers will be laid off, according to the report.
More Articles on Hospital Service Closures:
Erie VA Medical Center to Close ICU, End Inpatient Surgeries
California Pacific Medical Center’s Closure of Cardiac Program Sparks Protests
Mesa View Regional Hospital in Nevada to Close Obstetric Services
