IU Health Arnett experiencing surge in patient volumes, taking steps to care for all patients

In response to surging patient volumes, Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital is taking steps to adapt so that its teams can continue to provide the highest level of care for an increased number of patients in the Emergency department and inpatient units.

Adaptations include equipping non-traditional spaces to care for patients and optimizing the use of existing space, including the nearby IU Health Frankfort and White Memorial hospitals. IU Health Arnett leaders are also in close contact with other local healthcare partners, including Franciscan Health Lafayette East, who are also seeing higher-than-normal volumes.

“We are seeing consistent, extremely high patient volumes in our Emergency department, as well as our Urgent Cares. As a result, we are converting some non-traditional areas of the hospital, such as the ambulance bay, into patient care spaces, much like we did during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” shares Christopher Mansfield, IU Health Arnett chief medical officer, noting that there is no singular cause (e.g., COVID-19, influenza or RSV) driving the current surge.

“In many ways, this increased patient volume is, or may become, our new normal, and so we are taking the steps needed to provide excellent care for our patients now and to adapt for the long term.”

Know where to go for care

When Emergency department patient volumes are high, wait times can be longer than normal. When possible, individuals are encouraged to utilize on-demand virtual visits from the comfort of home. This option allows patients to see a highly skilled IU Health provider right away, 24/7. More information and instructions are available at iuhealth.org/virtualvisits.

Alternatively, local Urgent Care centers are available from 8 am – 8 pm seven days a week. Patients may find locations and see wait times, which may be longer than typical, at iuhealth.org/urgentcare.

These options not only save time and help reserve the Emergency department for the sickest patients, they also tend to be more cost effective for patients.

Individuals experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical situation should visit the nearest Emergency room or call 911 right away.