The new 22-room ER opens as Rhode Island’s emergency rooms have become increasingly overcrowded. The problem started last year when Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket closed, leaving the region’s remaining ER’s to pick up the slack. Overcrowded conditions have led to an increase in ambulance diversions. That’s when a hospital turns away an ambulance because it doesn’t have room for any more patients.
There were 44 diversions in Rhode Island during 2014. Last year, there were more than 300.
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