Alaska's largest hospital implements crisis care standards

    Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 10:26pm

    "Providence Hospital, bridge walkway, Anchorage Alaska" by Wonderlane is marked with CC0 1.0

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska's largest hospital is implementing crisis standards of care, or prioritizing resources and treatments to those patients who have the potential to benefit the most.

    The move comes as Alaska hospitals have been overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 patients.

    The announcement came Tuesday in a letter to Alaskans from the chief of staff at Providence Alaska Medical Center.

    More than 30% of the patients at Providence have tested positive for COVID-19, exceeding hospital's resources and ability to staff beds with skilled caregivers.

    Providence often can't accept transfer of patients from smaller cities in the state, and the emergency room is overflowing.

    That has left people sitting in their cars for hours waiting to see an emergency care doctor.

    Share

    More from News of the North

    Sitka weather forecast

    Events

    • Sitka Ham Radio Club

      Sitka Ham Amateur Radio Klub - SHARK - meets 2 p.m. the first Saturday of the month at the Sitka Sportsman's Association: 5211 Halibut Point Road. All interested in ham radio are welcome. For information contact Darryl Ault AL7W at 738-4539, [email protected] or visit the Facebook Group.

      at None
    • Ride to Read

      Transportation can be tricky, and Sitka Public Library is here to help! We have funds available to help community members access transportation to the library. If you’re interested, please contact us at 747-4020 or email [email protected]. This program is made possible through a generous donation from the Friends of Sitka Public Library.

      at Sitka Public Library
    • SEARHC Mass Casualty Exercise

      This is a unique opportunity to become part of your community’s efforts to be better prepared to respond to an emergency. This exercise will give hospital caregivers a chance to test their emergency preparedness plans and procedures. Will have the opportunity to play the role of someone injured during the event, the role of media covering the event, the role of a concerned friend/family member or community member. Participants must be 18+ years old or have parental consent, should be prepared to be moulaged and must be willing to commit around five hours of time.

      at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center