Physicians and nurses remain in nonstop triage in hospitals that are still dealing with power outrages, hospital evacuations and diminishing medical supplies.
“The hospitals are still in crisis,” Ubaldo Santiago, MD, who directs emergency services at several hospitals and clinics in Puerto Rico, told NBC. “Many are still working on generators. It’s tough, and the [physicians] are giving their maximum.”
Within the last two weeks, generator failures have caused multiple hospitals to evacuate patients and a lack of diesel fuel to power the generators have completely shut down other hospitals, according to the report.
Hospitals on the island are focusing on providing only the most critical care services as physicians lack basic medical supplies.
“Even the people that have more severe conditions like cancer that may not be as critical right now…their care is being delayed,” Gonzalo Solis, a Yale-New Haven (Conn.) Hospital executive told CNBC. “So it’s pretty bad, what’s going on.”
More articles on patient flow:
Sacred Heart Hospital to halt delivery services
Massachusetts hospital tightens security after patient stabs nurse in ED
Free Sacramento health clinic clocks 1.5k patient visits in one weekend
