Beebe Medical Center is the only hospital in Lewes. Expected ER wait time in Lewes is 3 hours, compared to the Delaware state average of 2.2 hours.
⬇️ Scroll down to compare ER wait times in Lewes, Delaware, to other municipalities in the United States.
ER wait time is defined as the time between (a) the admit decision time; and (b) the time of departure from the emergency room for ER patients admitted to inpatient status.
Consider advice for protecting yourself from germs, preparing for long wait times, planning ahead for peak times, considering alternative care options, and showing gratitude to healthcare workers.
Delaware’s ER wait times are driven by its dense population, high rates of chronic illness, and healthcare workforce challenges. Urban areas like Wilmington experience high patient volumes, as many residents rely on ERs for non-urgent medical needs due to limited primary care access. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are prevalent, increasing the frequency of ER visits. Seasonal surges, including flu outbreaks, add to the workload. Workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and specialty care, exacerbate delays in patient care. Additionally, Delaware’s small size means its few hospitals must serve a disproportionately large regional population.
Protect Yourself & Loved Ones
Crowded waiting rooms can heighten your chances of catching an illness. Hospitals often treat patients with contagious conditions. Safeguard yourself during your wait.
- Wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to protect against respiratory illnesses. Masks filter out airborne particles and help prevent the spread of germs. Always wear a mask in crowded environments, such as hospitals, during flu season or outbreaks of contagious diseases, to safeguard your respiratory health.
- Pathogens thrive on shared surfaces in public spaces. Always wash your hands thoroughly after contact with communal items, such as elevator buttons or check-in kiosks. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer to ensure your hands remain clean and free of harmful germs throughout the day.
- Keep personal items like phones, wallets, and bags germ-free by avoiding contact with communal surfaces. Germs can easily cling to these items and be transferred to your hands. Regularly disinfect your belongings at home using wipes to minimize the risk of carrying pathogens and ensure they remain safe for use.
- Vitamins and minerals are essential for a strong immune system. Incorporating supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc into your daily routine helps your body fight infections more effectively. These nutrients play a vital role in supporting immune function and enhancing your resilience against seasonal illnesses.
Prepare for Long Wait Times
Waiting for long periods is often unavoidable in non-urgent situations. Preparing can help you manage the stress.
- Prolonged sitting can cause discomfort, especially in hospital chairs. Bring a lumbar cushion to reduce back strain, a neck pillow for support, and a small massager for relaxation. These items can make long waits far more comfortable and help you feel more relaxed during your visit.
- Hospital waits can feel long and tedious. Pack a mobile device, like a tablet, phone, or laptop, loaded with games, books, or videos to stay entertained. Entertainment helps reduce boredom, lower stress, and make the time pass more quickly.
- A busy hospital environment can be overwhelming, but noise-cancelling headphones provide a way to manage the stress. By reducing background noise, you can create a personal space for relaxation. Whether it’s enjoying music or just blocking out commotion, headphones make waiting easier.
- When hospital visits are prolonged, having snacks on hand ensures you stay nourished. Bring energy-sustaining options like granola bars or whole-grain crackers. If fasting is required for medical tests, consult your healthcare provider beforehand to make sure you’re prepared without breaking any rules.
- Prolonged hospital stays can be made more comfortable by dressing in loose, breathable clothing. Add layers like a cardigan or jacket to adapt to temperature changes. Comfortable attire allows you to focus on your well-being rather than worrying about the environment’s unpredictability.)
Plan Ahead for Peak Times
Preparing in advance for an ER visit can have a significant impact on wait times, especially for less critical cases.
Mondays are notoriously busy for emergency rooms due to a surge of cases from the weekend. If your condition is not urgent, aim for mid-week, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, to avoid the peak crowd and receive faster medical attention.
Emergency room demand for young children peaks in autumn, while older children experience higher visit rates in spring. Awareness of these trends can help parents seek care during off-peak times for quicker access to treatment.
Hospitals are fully staffed during business hours, yet higher patient demand during these times often results in longer waits. Evenings or off-peak times may offer shorter wait times depending on patient volumes and your condition’s urgency.
Consider Other Care Options
For less urgent needs, other care facilities might offer faster and more efficient solutions.
- A family doctor is your first point of contact for managing non-urgent health concerns. With their knowledge of your medical history, they provide personalized care and continuity, making them the best choice for long-term health management and routine care.
- Walk-in clinics provide accessible care for minor injuries and illnesses, such as sore throats, mild rashes, or small cuts. With no appointment required, they offer convenient, timely treatment for patients seeking non-emergency care.
- Non-life-threatening conditions, such as severe flu symptoms or minor fractures, are treated effectively at urgent care centers. Their shorter wait times and accessibility make them an excellent alternative to emergency rooms for immediate, non-emergency care.
- Retail clinics are a convenient resource for addressing minor health concerns like seasonal allergies or administering vaccines. Their retail locations allow patients to access care quickly, often during extended hours, without requiring prior appointments.
Show Gratitude
A small act of gratitude toward emergency room workers can go a long way in boosting their morale.
- Showing gratitude to healthcare workers helps acknowledge the physical and emotional toll of their work. A heartfelt thank-you can reassure them that their dedication is recognized and valued by those they serve.
- Writing and delivering thank-you cards with heartfelt notes of gratitude shows healthcare workers they are appreciated. A small gesture like this can brighten their day and remind them their efforts are not unnoticed.
- Dropping off healthy snacks or coffee at a hospital is a thoughtful way to thank healthcare workers. These small tokens of appreciation provide them with comfort and a sense of being cared for during their hectic schedules.
- Public recognition during community events, like displaying banners or hosting appreciation days, provides an opportunity to collectively celebrate healthcare workers and their invaluable contributions.
- Supporting healthcare workers through donations to hospitals or healthcare charities helps fund resources, protective equipment, or wellness programs, directly improving their work environment and well-being.