Any time there’s an outbreak of disease a five hour wait to see the doctor can be expected.
That was the gist of testimony by the Medical Director of LBJ Hospital Dr Iotamo Saleapaga at a Senate hearing earlier this week concerning the long waiting period at the ER.
Saleapaga said that whenever there’s a n outbreak of diseases such as dengue, Zika, measles or other illnesses, there’s an influx of patients rushing into the Emergency Room to get treatment.
He said the hospital doesn’t dispute complaints form the public and senators about the long waiting.
He said in such instances the ER is packed both inside and outside.
The hospital set up a tent outside in the parking lot which patients began using last week because there was no space inside the ER waiting area.
Saleapaga told the hearing sometimes when people come early in the morning for blood tests, there’s no one working.
He said in outbreak situations what the hospital needs from the public is their patience.
