According to CBS 12 in Providence, the Rhode Island Department of Health says hospitals across the state are experiencing overcrowding and significantly longer waiting times. Rhode Island health officials urge amid overcrowding and staffing shortages to not visit the ER for non-emergencies.

Dr. Laura Forman, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Kent Hospital, said she’s seen it firsthand. Forman said there are several contributing factors to the backlog, including nationwide staffing shortages, a lack of beds and an influx of patients.