On August 1st, Martin General Hospital in Williamston closed its ICU department due to a shortage in workers.

Patients who need to be in the ICU were transported to ECU Health.

Kathy Lewis from Williamston said Martin General Hospital was the closest hospital in the area. She went on to say that the closure of the ICU department will impact many families in the community.

If it’s determined an ICU patient transfer is necessary, Martin General Hospital said they will work closely with ECU Health for quick access.

According to Director of Marketing, Heather Wilkerson, the hospital is still trying to recover from the pandemic and the loss of several nurses.

For people like Zackary Kunclrs, whose mom has been in the ICU at Martin General Hospital multiple times, the 35-to-40-minute commute could mean the difference between life and death.

According to Kunclrs, “40 minutes without breathing good is like, you know it’s not good for 4 minutes, but especially with someone with COPD, so it’s concerning.”

Wilkerson said that while there’s no definite answer to how long the ICU department will remain closed, the medical surgery and emergency department will remain fully operational.

Kathy Lewis said even so, the commute to ECU Health isn’t convenient for families with relatives in the ICU.

“You’re already stressed out over your loved one being in ICU” said Lewis, “and then you’re going to have travel 35 miles each way just to get to the see them.”

ECU Health issued a statement saying they are dedicated to working with Martin General Hospital to ensure patients have access to high-quality intensive care.