Hospital Treating Record Numbers

It’s tough to find an empty bed at Kootenai Medical Center this week.

Respiratory infections, accidents and elective surgeries have kept the hospital’s patient count at record levels, said Carmen Brochu, vice president of patient care services.

“We’re maxed,” Brochu said. “We are definitely at capacity. We empty a bed and fill it right up.”

KMC has seen about 240 patients every day this week, up from the typical 150-165 patients, Brochu said.

The most common ailments sending people to the hospital are pneumonia and other respiratory problems, she said.

No one has been turned away because of lack of space, and the hospital has no plans to do so, she said.

But the crowds have necessitated some creative uses of hospital space. In one instance, an 80-year-old patient was treated in the pediatrics ward, Brochu said. Hospital staff have worked overtime and have been flexible in working in whatever department they’re asked, she said.

“We try to make light of it,” Brochu said. “We try to keep the humor going in this kind of situation.”