On July 26, I unexpectedly developed an itchy rash and hives all over my body and, after consulting with our GP, we drove to Beebe hospital in Lewes. We checked in with the ER and were directed to sit in the waiting area until I could be seen by a doctor.
After two-and-a-half hours in the waiting area wrapped in a blanket to control my shivering, we were ushered into a small examination room where we waited for another hour.
Thus, after three-and-a-half hours of waiting, I was finally examined by an ER doctor who quickly determined that I needed to be admitted to the hospital. However, since there were no available beds for me, I spent that first night in cubicle 34 in the ER.
By next morning, I was moved into a small examination room, still in the ER, because they needed my cubicle for another incoming patient. We stayed in this small room all day until a regular bed was found for me by evening in the main part of the hospital.
I must emphasize here that throughout this incident, everyone at Beebe was caring and attentive, and the care I received from all levels of the medical staff was excellent.
During my five-day stay at Beebe, I took the opportunity to discuss the state of our medical infrastructure with everyone I met. Without exception, and regardless of their function, each expressed great concern about our ability to continue to provide the level of medical care we expect. They all pointed to the significant influx of people into Sussex County over the recent years, which greatly surpasses our available medical resources.
In the meantime, our county government continues to approve new housing developments at an undiminished rate, without apparent regard for the increasing problems and risks associated with our medical infrastructure, which has not been able to keep up.
The total cohesion of the comprehensive plan demands that either: A.) Healthcare services be ramped up at a rapid rate without sacrificing the level of care, or B.) The expansion of residential growth be slowed down to a pace that the infrastructure can support.
Because the first option is not reasonable in the short term, it is irresponsible for county council to do nothing to intervene and bring the level of Sussex County growth to one that is manageable to those on the front lines of the county’s health, safety and welfare. As we have heard all too frequently, it is the comprehensive plan and the supporting codes and/or ordinances that must be upheld.
Members of county council need to take immediate action to bring growth and services to a level that meets the needs of their constituents, including those scarce healthcare workers that serve their constituents and are doing their utmost to meet everyone’s expectations.
Take action now!
Stop passing the buck!
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