ER trauma.(Emergency rooms may close down)(Brief Article)

Closures giving execs headaches

Imagine all of the Valley's 28 hospitals temporarily shutting down their emergency rooms because they can't handle another patient.

Many Phoenix area hospital executives are worried that's exactly what could happen this winter. And they don't have any clear-cut solutions.

It's not uncommon for hospitals to shut down their ERs during busy times and send ambulances to another nearby hospital.

But there are several reasons why executives fear that closures could. reach epidemic proportions this year.

* The flu vaccine shortage means there will be more flu patients flocking to the emergency rooms [or relief.

* A nursing shortage continues …