OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Medical Association is calling on the Governor and State Health Secretary to declare COVID as a public health crisis.
A joint statement from the WSMA and the Washington chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians has outlined the strain placed on hospitals statewide.
Overrun emergency departments, exhausted staff, and hospitals nearing capacity are among the conditions many workers have endured during the most recent spike in COVID cases.
Members are urging Governor Inslee and State Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah to declare a formal health system crisis.
A declaration would allow the state to bring in extra resources to help with staffing shortages and issues related to long-term care.