Children's hospitals plead for federal help as they run out of beds

Pediatric hospitals are “at or near capacity” and they expect to see more child patients as the school year resumes, according to the Children’s Hospital Association.

“[T]here may not be sufficient bed capacity or expert staff to care for children and families in need,” wrote association CEO Mark Wietecha in a letter to President Biden on Aug. 26.

“Our children’s health care safety net is under unprecedented strain,” Wietecha said in a news release. “Children’s hospitals and their dedicated staffs are doing their part, and we hope every American, the White House and Congress can help.”

There are a number of reasons for the pressure on the pediatric health care system.