WMH Experiencing Increased Patient Volumes

Sault Sainte Marie, MI – War Memorial Hospital is currently experiencing a steady increase in patient volumes. “At this time, we are at capacity and so are many hospitals across the State” said Marla Bunker, CNO/COO War Memorial Hospital. The War Memorial Emergency Department will continue to see and evaluate patients, but wait times may be prolonged for non-emergent cases. All patients will be triaged upon arrival to War Memorial.

“We are seeing a record number of patients in our Emergency Department and many of these patients need additional care either as an inpatient at War Memorial or a higher acuity facility.” said David Jahn, President and CEO of War Memorial Hospital. “War Memorial is committed to aligning resources and continuing to deliver high quality care to our community. Now is the time for our community members to get vaccinated, wear a mask in public, practice proper hand washing and avoid large gatherings when possible” Jahn added.

War Memorial encourages the community to reach out to their primary care provider, the WMH Community Care Clinic, or FastCare for other non-emergent medical needs. Those looking only for a COVID-19 test are encouraged to use the State’s free testing site at the E-Free Church or other local pharmacies and clinics that are offering testing. 

Emergency needs can include choking, head injuries that include loss of consciousness, fainting or confusion, injuries to neck or spine, electric shock or lightening strike, severe burns, severe chest pain or chest pressure, seizures that last 3 to 5 minutes, and cessation of breathing or respiratory distress. Individuals experiencing symptoms like this are encouraged to call 911 to request a local emergency team responds.

Emergency needs that warrant a trip to the Emergency Department, or a call to 911 for assistance can include trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, pain in the arm or jaw, unusually bad headaches particularly with sudden onset, sudden inability to speak, see, walk or move, sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the body, dizziness or weakness that will not go away, inhaled smoke or poisonous fumes, sudden confusion, possible broken bones, deep wounds or serious burns, severe pain anywhere in the body, allergic reactions, high fevers with a stiff neck, uncontrolled vomiting or loose stools, poisoning or overdose of drugs or alcohol, suicidal thoughts or seizures.

The WMH Community Care Clinic located at 509 Osborn Blvd is open 7 days per week from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. The WMH Community Care Clinic accepts walk-ins only and can be reached at 906-635-4401.

WMH FastCare inside Meijer is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. FastCare accepts walk-ins only and can be reached at 906-253-0137.