Mid-Columbia Medical Center has activated its Emergency Operations Plan.  In a statement it posted on its website, MCMC says hospitals in the Gorge and surrounding communities have seen a rapid influx of seriously ill or injured patients, while also experiencing the same shortage of nurses and support staff that is affecting hospitals across the country.  As part of the plan, when necessary, MCMC will divert ambulances, divert labor and delivery, and postpone or cancel surgical cases.  When ambulances are diverted local residents who are transported by ambulance may not be taken to the hospital nearest their home, they will be taken to the closest hospital that has the capacity to care for them at that time.  Expectant moms in labor should call the MCMC First Impressions Birthing Center at 541-296-7210 to pre-check in before coming to the hospital.  In an emergency, go straight to the closest emergency room.  Elective surgeries requiring an overnight stay are already being postponed on a case-by-case basis.  Patients are being notified if your scheduled surgery must be postponed.  MCMC emphasized it will never turn away a patient in need who arrives at the hospital, but wait times in the emergency department are much longer than usual.  MCMC is also putting up tents in the Emergency Department parking lot as a precautionary measure to do patient assessment if necessary.