SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO - A surge of viral infections, including the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus — better known as RSV — and influenza, across the state is increasing admissions at Southern New Mexico hospitals’ emergency rooms, and ballooning wait times.

On Dec. 5, the New Mexico Department of Health issued a public health order allowing hospitals to increase capacity and transfers of patients because of rising RSV admissions in addition to COVID-19 and influenza. The order directed hospitals to return to a “hub and spoke model” that allows to facilitate more transfers, based on the severity of patients’ condition. This shifting of patients to facilities with the most capacity was a strategy during prior peaks of the coronavirus pandemic, which continues in its third year.

Many New Mexico hospitals are already operating at or above capacity in recent weeks, following a national trend attributed to what’s been dubbed the “tripledemic.”

“The emergency department has seen upwards of 120 to 140 visits per day,” said Dr. Dolores Gomez, chief medical officer at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces. “On average, they see between 80 to 100, so adding 20 to 40 more visits in a day with the same staffing can be very taxing on our system.”

Gomez said this has extended wait times by hours, as a “bottleneck” occurs in the emergency rooms.

Memorial Medical Center expands children’s unit 

The recent state order also allows hospitals to submit waivers to the federal government, which removes their liability for certain billing practices and health and safety standards — such as adding beds above capacity, or setting up screening tents. The order is in effect until rescinded.

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