Wynn Hospital in Utica faced capacity issues this week, going on diversion twice in just three days. Similarly, Oneida Hospital went on diversion for one day this week.
Both instances prompted an outpouring of concern from residents and has one Utica city councilor saying it’s time to bring back the pandemic-era tactic of activating the National Guard to help out at overburdened hospitals.
Councilman Joe Betrus told WKTV that he will bring the matter to the city council in hopes a resolution will be passed urging the governor to take action.
“The National Guard specializes in triage. If we’re short-handed, let’s do what we did in the pandemic and bring the National Guard in so people don’t have to wait 10 to 15 hours for care,” he told the station.
