Listening session about timely health care access

VERMONT - The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems urges members of the public, including patients, providers, and caregivers, to participate in an upcoming virtual “listening session” Thursday, November 4, from noon to 2 pm. The session is being conducted by a state team looking into the root causes of long wait times for certain health care services.
VAHHS has said for years that national workforce challenges in every area of health care will stress the system of care and lead to longer wait times. The COVID-19 pandemic strained the system further.
A state interagency team was established earlier this summer to look at wait times across health care and what can be done to speed access. The team will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature in January. At the same time, many hospitals are full - some beyond their capacity - with patients who may have delayed care at the height of the pandemic, as well as those awaiting mental health treatment or a long-term care bed. In many cases, those beds are empty and unavailable due to staffing shortages at inpatient psychiatric care facilities and nursing homes.  
Listening sessions will be conducted using Microsoft Teams. Individuals who wish to attend the upcoming hearing can register at https://dfr.vermont.gov/health-services-wait-times or submit a question or comment by e-mailing sov.healthserviceswaittimes@vermont.gov.