Visalia, CA hospital's emergency room overflows

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Feb. 14--Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia has seen a recent surge of patients at its emergency room, officials said Wednesday.

A 35-foot tent was erected outside the hospital about noon Wednesday to treat nonemergency patients seeking care at the emergency room.

The hospital's emergency department, which usually treats about 190 patients per day, has been averaging between 240 and 250.

Most patients are coming to the emergency room seeking treatment for flu symptoms, said Dan Allain, director of Emergency and Critical Care.

The tent can serve about six patients at a time, Allain said. It will stay open at least until Monday when hospital officials will re-evaluate the situation.

A second tent can also be erected outside the emergency room if there is an even greater surge of patients, Allain said.