Many local dialysis treatment centers do not have generators and were forced to close due to the outages.
“So we’re already busier than anything and of course dealing with our own crises, and then we get all these dialysis patients,” Dr. Boom told CNN. “It’s a sacred duty, frankly, to take care of these individuals — we’ll do that. But every one of our hospitals has been overwhelmed by our dialysis patients.”
The surge of dialysis patients prompted staff at Houston Methodist’s seven hospitals to create makeshift treatment centers in conference rooms and other available spaces. Clinicians at Houston Methodist’s flagship hospital were treating about 15 dialysis patients at a given time, Dr. Boom said.
For the latest on Texas’ water and power issues, click here.
More articles on patient flow:
Winter storm disrupts vaccinations in Northeast
8 hospitals ending services, closing departments
62 employees to lose jobs when Tenet-owned Florida hospital closes maternity ward
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.