New Hampshire hospitals inching toward 100% capacity

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.

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