By Corey Fischer

VJH ‘Prepared’ For Increase In Patients

Jan 12, 2018 | 4:51 PM

Vernon Jubilee Hospital is off to a busy start to the new year.

Health Service Administrator Richard Harding says the facility is currently over capacity, with 15 percent more patients coming to the emergency department daily.

He says it’s not unusual for this time of year — given illness outbreaks like the flu.

“This is not unexpected, and given this expected increase, we have prepared accordingly,” says Harding. “Our seasonal surge plans involve opening capacity areas and increasing staffing to accommodate an influx of patients.”

Harding says everyone who seeks care from VJH is getting what they require, despite the patient increase.

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In response to concerns in the media about a shortage of gowns and linens since laundry services were privatized last year, Harding says there have been no reports of running out of gowns at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

“As typical of the winter season, some of our hospitals are using a higher than average amount of laundry at the site and had requested an increased supply from our laundry provider. We have had an exceptional response from our laundry provider, and they’ve increased their daily delivery to cover the higher usage.”

by Corey Fischer