Health systems across the U.S. are grappling with care delivery disruptions amid winter storm Fern, which has brought heavy snow, freezing temperatures and icy conditions to 34 states and more than 200 million people.
Before the storm hit, many health systems set up command centers and prepared accommodations for staff to ensure continuity of care.
As of early Jan. 26, at least 20 states stretching from New Mexico to Maine had more than a foot of snow. While the worst of the snowfall has passed, more than 85 million people are under an extreme cold warning, with dangerously frigid temperatures expected to continue for several more days across central and eastern parts of the country, according to The New York Times.
While hospitals and EDs remain open, many systems in the storm’s path closed outpatient facilities Jan. 26, affecting urgent care, imaging and other services. Several are also rescheduling elective procedures.
As of Jan. 26, Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth hospitals in North Carolina have remained open, though the AdventHealth Medical Group office and AdventHealth Centra Care Arden urgent care closed. The system is offering free virtual visits to its patients.
Columbus-based OhioHealth canceled all elective surgeries, outpatient imaging, outpatient infusion, outpatient radiation and all other outpatient services until noon Jan. 26, at facilities located in counties under a level 3 snow emergency, with some sites extending cancellations for the entire day. The system has also closed all urgent care facilities and is providing care via telehealth.
Cincinnati Children’s has rescheduled all in-person appointments at its outpatient locations Jan. 26. The pediatric system said all telehealth appointments will continue as normal and directed patients to utilize virtual urgent care services, adding that it plans to open neighborhood urgent care clinics as scheduled on the evening of Jan. 26.
On Jan. 24, Bellaire, Texas-based Harris Health System closed its ambulatory care services clinics and suspended patient visitation at Harris Health hospitals. Ambulatory care services are expected to resume Jan. 27, according to the system’s Facebook page.
Duke University Hospital in Durham, N.C., has reported an increase in emergency department visits stemming from the harsh weather conditions, including slips and frostbite cases, hospital officials told WRAL.
Atlanta-based Grady Health closed all outpatient clinics at its main hospital Jan. 26, as well as neighborhood health and urgent care centers, the outpatient pharmacy and radiology services. The system is rescheduling all elective and nonurgent procedures.
