MILWAUKEE — A new report from Milwaukee Magazine detailed how staffing issues are impacting Columbia St. Mary's on Milwaukee's East Side, citing both medical staff and patients who claimed those issues potentially put patient safety at risk.

Elly Fishman, who wrote the Milwaukee Magazine piece, "How Staff Shortages Are Undermining Care at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital," was quick to acknowledge the longtime healthcare facility isn't alone in its struggles, which she said have worsened over time.

"We're seeing staffing shortages at hospitals across the country," Fishman said. "Wisconsin is no exception, and Ascension and Columbia St. Mary's Hospital here in Milwaukee is no exception, and I think it's been happening for several years and it was accelerated by the pandemic as well."

Since Fishman's piece was published, Columbia St. Mary's has altered its surgical schedule, issuing a statement last week saying that the facility is now "prioritizing urgent and emergent surgical procedures and will continue to do so as needed. Elective surgeries are continuing based on clinical urgency."

"I've heard that there's hope that change will happen," Fishman said. "But I think for a lot of people at Columbia St. Mary's — surgeons, doctors, hospital staff — they've been promised that before, so they're hopeful but with some hesitence."

Ascension Wisconsin, which runs Columbia St. Mary's, sent the following statement Friday to Spectrum News 1 regarding Fishman's piece and the overall quality of care at the facility.

"Hospitals across the U.S. are dealing with historic staffing challenges due to ongoing workforce shortages. We are no exception. Like other health systems across the state and country, Ascension Wisconsin has been impacted by the national shortage of caregivers that has been made worse by pandemic stressors. Fortunately we have the ability to flex our staff to take care of patients, and have a national network of resources available, if needed. We are also actively recruiting clinical staff to fill available positions. Workforce shortages and burnout are real challenges in healthcare. We are actively working to strengthen our workforce – including putting in place innovative initiatives to grow the nursing pipeline – and to support policies that would grow and bolster our shared ministry. We are grateful for the ongoing dedication and commitment of our associates and affiliated clinicians to provide compassionate, personalized care throughout the pandemic. We maintain rigorous disinfection and sterilization procedures, and regularly review our internal protocols to ensure each patient receives the highest quality of care. As part of our commitment to continuous process improvement, we continue to focus on a strong culture of quality and safety. Infection Prevention and Quality reviews are conducted regularly. When improvement opportunities are identified, action plans immediately are developed to enhance processes and provide additional training. We maintain a safe environment in which patient care and safety are the highest priorities. Staffing is a continual, ongoing and active process. Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to provide care where, when and how it was needed, to the individuals and communities we are privileged to serve, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. We continually review staffing and care models, while providing compassionate, personalized care. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve – both nationally and in Wisconsin – we will continue to adapt to ensure the continued strength and sustainability of our Mission and our healing ministry."

Watch the full interview above.