The holiday message from the Brant Community Healthcare System is: ‘Don’t be slow in accessing hospital care if you need it.’
The BCHS, which operates Brantford General Hospital and the Willett urgent-care center in Paris, is encouraging residents to visit either if they need help.
“We’re here for you, and are taking every possible precaution to keep patients safe,” the BCHS said in a news release.
The BGH emergency department is always open for those with serious illnesses or injuries. The Willett center is for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, such as sprains, strains and minor burns.
For the holiday period, the Willett center will be open: Dec. 24 and 25 from 10 am to 6 pm; Dec. 26 to 30 from 9 am to 9 pm; Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 from 10 am to 6 pm; and Jan. 2 from 9 am to 9 pm
Wait times at each department can be checked by going online at: www.bchsys.org. The site also provides the number of people waiting to see a doctor and whether the trend is going up or down.
For those experiencing viral symptoms or who may qualify for antiviral treatments, there’s a COVID, Cough, Flu Care Clinic and COVID testing.
Those with COVID symptoms or signs of strep, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, cold, flu, sinus infections, vomiting or diarrhea can consider this clinic if they haven’t been able to book an appointment with their family doctor or have been referred to the clinic by a health-care provider.
Testing for COVID is offered there for those eligible. For the criteria, go to: www.bchsys.org/covid-testing.
The clinics normally run seven days a week from 8 am to 4 pm (closed from noon to 1 pm).
But, during the holidays, the clinic will operate at the Willett on Dec. 24, 26 and 31 from 11 am to 3 pm On those days, a doctor will be at the clinic from 1 pm to 3 pm
Appointments are required. They can be booked online at www.bchsys.org/en/covid-19-online-scheduling.aspx, or by emailing [email protected] with a name and telephone number, or by calling 519-751-5818, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm
There’s a similar clinic at the Delhi Medical Centre, 106 Main St., in Delhi. It will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31- Jan. 1, but will open: Dec 27, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; Dec 28, noon to 8 pm; and Dec. 29-30, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm To book an appointment, call 519-582-2323, ext. 232, or go online at: norfolkfht.ca/clinical-assessment-centre
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