Valley ERs dealing with huge jump in flu cases
Reported by: Jay Reynolds
ABC15.com
PHOENIX (Oct. 15, 2009) -- Doctors and nurses are already dealing with the winter months in the emergency room.
"It's the time for flu, cold, respiratory symptoms and people generally being sick," said Richard Watts, clinical director of Trauma and Emergency at (Banner) Good Samaritan (Medical Center).
And this year swine flu is in the mix.
"We're more aware of and are looking for swine flu or other influenza-like illnesses," said Watts.
The ER's are packed. By some reports, people are lining up out the doors to get in.
"All the emergency rooms in the Valley are very, very busy," said Watts.
At Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix they have started a program to cut down on wait times.
"Even though our volume has increased we are still able to get them an initial assessment and evaluation with a physician in a very timely manner," Watts said.
It's a plan to stop the spread of illness.
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