Uptick in illnesses has Danville hospital almost at capacity

DANVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ) – The flu is having an impact on the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville.

A spokesperson for the hospital says a spike in flu-related illnesses and upper-respiratory problems has it running close to capacity.

The hospital says it has 140-150 beds. On Thursday morning, 120 of those beds were occupied.

The hospital does point out that it will not turn people away and that more beds and more staff can be brought in to accommodate more patients if necessary.

The hospital is also taking precautionary measures to keep the staff healthy by having everyone wear face masks and gloves.

While the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital announced this week that it was putting restrictions on visitors to the hospital due to the flu, Ephraim McDowell hospital will not be restricting visitors. The hospital says there are masks and hand sanitizer at the entrances for visitors to use when they come in.