Hospital leaders in Erie County say emergency rooms are getting overwhelmed as respiratory illnesses are spiking this winter.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Erie County health officials are urging people to use hospital emergency rooms and ambulances only for true medical emergencies.
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They say a surge in severe respiratory illnesses like the flu are causing mayor slow downs in the ER, with longer waiting room times as well as delays in ambulance response.
According to officials at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, they are now having capacity issues with the influx of patients.
2 On Your Side talked with Dr. Michael Mangione, the hospital’s emergency department medical director, about those concerns.
“Usually we like to have you try some supportive care at home … get you to start feeling better,” Dr. Mangione said.
The county health department says the use of 911 should be reserved for life-threatening symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, or severe injuries.
They’re also asking people to seek alternatives for non-urgent care.