REMARKS
Overcrowding and increased demand in emergency departments
0:13:38
·
66 sec
Council Member Narcisse discusses the increasing strain on emergency departments due to rising patient volumes, longer wait times, and complex health issues.
- Mentions a 6% increase in emergency department visits in the past year
- Highlights wait times for hospital beds rising to 26 hours
- Discusses the impact of delayed care during the COVID pandemic leading to more complex cases
- Addresses challenges posed by an aging population and the ongoing opioid crisis
Mercedes Narcisse
0:13:38
In the past year alone, New York City has seen an increase in emergency department visits of over 6% with wait times for hospital beds rising to 26 hours.
0:13:52
Our emergency departments, especially in the neighborhood's like mine, that lacks sufficient healthcare infrastructure, cannot keep absorbing these growing needs.
0:14:02
Without a plan to address staffing and capacity.
0:14:07
Our emergency departments are already grappling with the effects of the COVID pandemic.
0:14:15
Many patients delayed care during the height of the pandemic, and now we are seeing increased visits from patients with complex and chronic conditions who urgently need help.
0:14:31
Add to this challenge is posed by our aging population, the ongoing opioid crisis, and the historic shortages of medical staff and you have a perfect storm that is overwhelming our hospitals.
