What the heck is going on at Albany Med?

Today in The 518

• What the heck is going on at Albany Medical Center? 🚨 

• Farmer’s markets opening up and restaurant roundup

• Your best bets this weekend, plus a patriotic Feel Good Friday 🇺🇲 

Better hope you never need to go to Albany Med

What in the world is happening at Albany Medical Center?

First, we heard reports from nurses that severe staffing shortages at Albany Med are leading to outrageous wait times, as long as 27 hours in some cases, and potentially dangerous conditions for intensive care patients.

Nurses say the hospital is not following state guidelines for safe staffing, which require specific nurse-to-patient ratios (2.56 patients per nurse). In fact, the nurses are worried that they may be putting their licenses at risk by working under such conditions.

Today, the Times Union is out with an investigative report showing that the typical ER patient at Albany Med spends 6 hours and 8 minutes from the time they enter the hospital to discharge. That’s twice as long as the usual ER visit in New York State. It’s only gotten worse over time: Albany Med’s visit time is now 2 hours and 22 minutes longer than eight years ago. The hospital also has a high rate of patients leaving without receiving any care—likely due to long wait times.

Albany Med isn’t alone in this. Ellis Hospital in Schenectady ranked third in the state at 5 hours, 36 minutes, and St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany took fourth at five and a half hours, according to the TU report.

These long visit times come on top of news that Albany Med has dropped Humana’s Medicare coverage as of July 1, leading local patients to scramble to find in-network care. Susan Hartshorne reported driving 3 hours from Glens Falls for a simple general appointment.

Lastly, we can’t forget the Albany Med ER technician who was sentenced in March for stealing a ring off a dying cancer patient. The family heirloom was pawned for $120 and melted 😲 

Not surprisingly, Albany Med only rates 2 out of 5 stars for patient experience.

“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.” —Sam Cooke

It’s gonna be hot, humid and wet this weekend 🥵 

More farmer’s markets starting up for the season

Get your tote bag ready as five more farmer’s markets open this weekend and next. The Washington Park farmer’s market in Albany runs 10a-2p on Saturdays, and even includes a free yoga class at 9 am! Other markets starting up include Guilderland Farmers Market (10a-2p Sundays, Guilderland Public Library); Rensselaer Waterfront Farmers Market (4-7p, Thursdays, Riverfront Park); Niskayuna Farmers Market (8:30a-12:30p, Saturdays, Town Hall); and Albany County Farmer’s Market (10a-2p, Sundays, MVP Arena), starting July 14.

Btw, wanna get the coolest tote bag in town? Check out The 518 Swag Shop!

Free summer meals at Albany public schools

Food insecurity is a real thing in the Capital District. Starting Monday, the City School District of Albany is providing free breakfast and lunch at 8 Albany public schools for students 18 and under. See the list here.

Restaurant roundup for the Capital Region

KA Sushi at 287 New Scotland Avenue in Albany has closed. Storied Coffee & Milk Teas is returning to Schenectady with a second location at 123 Jay Street. Also in Schenectady, the new Mediterranean Milas Restaurant & Bar, by the owners of The Nest, is now open for business. Albany has a new Tex-Mex eatery (by way of Bangladesh!) called Taki Taki Mexican Grill on Central Avenue. And the Times Union takes a look at the locally famous doughboy (or O’boy) at Saratoga’s Esperanto.

Clifton Park personality embodies Uncle Sam

Legend has it that the inspiration for Uncle Sam came from a man named Samuel Wilson, a meatpacker who lived in Troy. For more than three decades, Fred Polnisch, a retired GE engineer from Clifton Park, has been continuing Samuel’s legacy by playing Uncle Sam at parades and in the classroom.

"I'm in costume and people will come up to me and say, 'You're taking all my money! What are you doing with it?'“ Polnisch told WGRB. “And I say, if you want your money back contact your local representative, not me!" Watch the full interview here.