The University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) is undertaking creative measures to deal with the surge of patients suffering from respiratory illnesses.

The hospital reports being above 100% capacity.

“We are at a greater capacity today than at any point during the pandemic,” Chris Ramirez, a spokesperson for UNMH, told KRQE recently. “I believe we are in our eighth straight week of our Children’s Hospital being above capacity. In recent weeks we have seen the exact same thing happen on the adult side.”

UNMH is currently using tents outside to process patients. There is also a triage tent outside the emergency room doors to prepare patients before being seen inside.

“We have had to get really creative in trying to treat patients,” Ramirez said. “We have gone through on a day-to-day basis and looked for space to literally house patients.”

A surge in respiratory illnesses is the major cause of the influx of patients, the KRQE report said.

“With our kids, it’s been a lot of RSV, rhinovirus, and respiratory illnesses,” Ramirez said. “On the adult side, we are seeing a surge in COVID cases. We are seeing flu-like symptoms. We are seeing more adults come in with respiratory illnesses.”

Wait times in the ER are sometimes 10 hours or even longer, KRQE said.

Hospital officials ask those feeling ill to either go to their primary care provider or urgent care unless it’s a true emergency. In most cases, the respiratory illnesses can be treated at home.

“We are a level one trauma center; we have to prioritize the trauma calls that are coming in,” Ramirez said. “We have to prioritize the major problems like strokes and heart attacks.”

Health officials are asking the public to apply safe practices and social distancing during the holiday season. If it is necessary to come to the hospital, they ask for patience and respect for an overwhelmed staff.