Island Hospital feeling strain of pandemic
ANACORTES — About half of the patients who come into Island Hospital’s walk-in clinic these days are there with COVID-19 symptoms and questions, hospital Access Tent Lead Ashley Heath said.
The staff is prepared for that. It’s what they do. The other challenges have been tougher.
Beyond medical care, staff members are trying to dispel myths about the virus and vaccine.
Unvaccinated people are still coming in who are absolutely shocked when they test positive for COVID-19. Some are very certain that COVID-19 is fake.
Heath has even been accused of attempting to install a microchip as she tested a patient.
The extra challenges are combined with a continued staffing shortage.
“The fatigue is getting to us,” Heath said.
Island Hospital Chief Medical Officer Jason Hogge said seeing ill people come in every day can be hard on staff morale.
Published on December 8, 2021