Hospitals in Norfolk and Haldimand are asking residents to seek out other health care options as staffing issues continue to put pressure on the emergency department.
They’re also asking residents to be pro-active as the winter approaches by getting their flu and COVID-19 shots.
“Like many emergency departments across the province, Norfolk General Hospital is
experiencing the strains on our healthcare system,” Dr. Christine Tran, the chief of Norfolk General Hospital’s emergency department, said in a media release. “With the unusual spike in respiratory illnesses combined with the pressures on our healthcare system, we are experiencing longer wait times than usual.”
West Haldimand General Hospital is facing the same staffing and capacity pressures, AnneMarie VanSickle, the director of the hospital’s emergency department, said in a statement.
The hospital is committed to meeting the needs of those we serve,” said VanSickle. “Priority will always be given to trauma and critical care patients at the emergency department first.
“Sometimes, this causes frustration for those waiting to get treatment, when they see others receive care before them.”
The emergency departments at both hospitals are seeing an unusual seasonal surge in viral illnesses.
As well, people from other areas are also going to the West Haldimand emergency department in the mistaken belief they won’t have to wait as long for medical attention, VanSickle said.
However, all hospitals are facing severe staffing and capacity issues, she added.
Hospital officials are asking everyone to preserve emergency care for those who need it most and only visit the emergency department if the health concern is critical. Conditions that require a visit to the emergency department include cardiac arrest and major trauma that is life, limb threatening such as chest pains. Other serious conditions that require emergency intervention include asthma and frostbite.
Options for less urgent health care issues include visiting a family physician for conditions that can wait a day or two. Residents can also contact Health Connect Ontario to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or web chat. Health Connect can be reached at www.healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca/static/guest/home or by phone at 1-866-797-0007.
Other options include visiting an urgent care center for issues that aren’t life-threatening but can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment; or calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 to speak with a registered nurse.
Examples of semi-urgent conditions include mild pains like ear aches.
Non-urgent conditions, meanwhile, include skin infections, back pain or ankle injuries.
Patients can also visit a local pharmacist if they need a prescription refill.
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