Since COVID-19 hit the Mid-Shore in March of 2020, The Spy has been turning to Dr. William Huffner, the chief medical officer of UM Shore Regional Health, to provide the Mid-Shore with the most current status of the pandemic and its impact on our local health system. Charged with coordinating the region’s response to the health crisis, Dr. Huffner and his team have now experienced three major surges of the virus, with the current and highly contagious omicron variance now placing a severe strain on the Shore’s health centers and emergency rooms.
In our latest conversation, Dr. Huffner talks candidly about the impact of the omicron surge, its effect on the Shore’s limited resources to manage the disease, and how Governor Larry Hogan’s recent State of Emergency executive order is helping with that challenge. We also talk about the availability and use of monoclonal antibody treatments and his assessment of health worker morale.
This video is approximately ten minutes in length. For more information about UM Shore Regional Health and COVID please go here.
Marian Murphy says
My experience with this hospital was last night around 11:00 when I went into Emergency because I had two coughing episodes where I could barely get my breath. I knew covid patients needed respiratory help and I was afraid I had covid and not a bad cold so at that time of the night I had to go to Emergency. I
I gave all my information to the receptionist, went to the lobby and waited a short time and was called into an office who I presumed was a Dr. although he didn’t identify himself. He pointed to a scale so I began to take off my jacket and drop my purse but he said that wasn’t necessary so my weight was well above what was normal. He started to take my blood pressure so I began removing my winter sweater and he said that wasn’t necessary so it was taken over inches of wool sweater.
After the short medical summary was talked about, meds taken, etc, he stood and began walking out of the office saying that I would see a Dr. in five hours. I said I wouldn’t wait that long and he said tell the receptionist if you leave. No eye contact, no explanation, nothing.
To summarize, I wish I had been told by either that I wouldn’t be able to see a Dr. for five hours. It was obvious I was in no distress but just wanted information about my coughing experience. Obviously, the scant medical information that was taken was inaccurate.
I understand covid is devastating hospitals but a humane treatment of all should be given when you enter a hospital.