Local doctor worries about ER availability if hospital closes

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – As the fate of Trumbull Regional Medical Center hangs in the balance in bankruptcy court, a local physician is talking about how losing the hospital in Warren will have far-reaching effects, especially for emergency care.

Dr. Munir Shah is an infectious disease specialist who practices at Trumbull Regional and Mercy Health’s three hospitals in the Valley. He believes the increased patient load caused by a closing of Steward Health’s facilities will impact patient care.

“I think one hospital system will be overworked, over-burdened. They will be overwhelmed by all the influx of patients from the community,” Shah said. “When you’re too busy, your quality of care can deteriorate.”

As we’ve heard recently from local fire departments about the time needed to get to one hospital as opposed to another in the area, Shah believes the time lost could prove to be critical once the patient actually arrives at the emergency room.

“Every minute counts. If the delay of treatment, just because you’ve been transferred or you’re asked to go to a different hospital, can make a difference,” Shah said.

A group of local business leaders have been working to take over Trumbull Regional and is waiting to hear if their plans will be approved in court. Shah says what he’s learned about their proposal to operate once again as a not-for-profit hospital leaves him encouraged.

“They’re experienced enough that if they are given an opportunity, I think they’ll deliver very good health care to this community,” Shah said.

He thinks the overall healthcare network for the Valley could hinge on the outcome.

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