Several recently released reports reveal serious problems in the state’s health care systems.
According to a study sponsored by Beckers Physicians Leadership, Maryland ranks last among the states when it comes to emergency room services. The average wait time was clocked at 239 minutes or a little less than 4 hours.
According to the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Maryland came in at #35 in hospital safety. The findings point out only 22% of hospitals in the state achieved an A rating.
A comprehensive look at the Maryland health care system proved equally alarming. In their annual report for 2021, the state Office of Health Care Quality cited a 52% increase in adverse events in hospitals since 2021. Also noted was a doubling of hospital acquired pressure injuries (bedsores).
As the survey stated, “The Covid 19 pandemic had a significant adverse impact on the health care system.”
Last month the Maryland Healthcare Workforce Report found 1 in every 4 hospital nursing positions remains vacant. By the year 2035, the report projected 13,800 more nurses would be needed to fill healthcare positions. Meanwhile 62% of licensed and certified nurses in the state of Maryland considered leaving their profession. They mentioned overwork, job burnout and a lack of appreciation as reasons.
