Timely access to care compromised by deluge of COVID-19 cases among the unvaccinated

WALLA WALLA—The rapid increase in COVID-19 cases primarily among unvaccinated individuals hinders timely access to a broad spectrum of healthcare in Walla Walla. This is coming in the form of long wait times, delays of some non-emergency surgeries, and a higher likelihood of patients being transported to other hospitals searching for an available staffed bed.

As COVID-19 rises, Providence St. Mary Medical Center and clinics also face staffing challenges from caregivers becoming ill, struggling to secure childcare, having sick family members, or resigning from the exhaustion created by a pandem...