Expect longer wait times at hospital emergency departments

UPDATE JAN. 4: Quinte Health continues to experience extremely high and increasing patient volumes across all four hospitals, with emergency departments under significant pressure. As a result, wait times are longer than usual and continue to fluctuate based on patient volumes, acuity, staffing and inpatient capacity.

DEC. 30: People going to hospital emergency departments may experience longer than usual wait times, particularly for non-urgent concerns, as Quinte Health reports high patient volumes at all four of its locations, with respiratory illness season underway.

But Catherine Walker, manager of Communications and Community relations stresses that “If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please come to the emergency department — we are here for you and you will be assessed as quickly as possible.”

She adds that for less urgent concerns, wait times will be longer, and other care options may be faster and more convenient.

For health concerns that are not emergencies, individuals may receive quicker support through:
· Family doctors or nurse practitioners
· Health Connect Ontario (811) for 24/7 health advice
· Pharmacists, who can assess and prescribe for many common conditions
· Virtual care options, including – https://virtualcareontario.ca/

A holiday urgent care clinic is available for Prince Edward County residents at the Harbourview Clinic, 35 Bridge St., Picton, on Tuesday, Dec. 30, Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 2. Call 613-476-0400 x0 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., or book online up to 24 hours in advance, at www.princeedwardfht.com

What to expect at the emergency department:
– The sickest and most seriously injured patients are always seen first.
– Patients with non-urgent health concerns will wait longer.
– Staff and physicians are working hard to provide safe, timely care to everyone who seeks help.
– Currently, masks are required in patient-facing areas including emergency departments, clinics, waiting rooms and patient rooms.

“We sincerely thank our community for their patience and kindness as our teams continue to care for patients during this exceptionally busy period.”

Go to the nearest emergency department for these and other emergencies:
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when doing very little or resting.
-Severe stomach pain.
-Chest pain or tightness in the chest.
-Continuous vomiting or severe diarrhea with signs of dehydration.
-A broken bone or wound that may require stitches.
-Seizures or convulsions.
-Stiff neck or sensitivity to light.
-Confusion or disorientation.
-Infants under one month old with a temperature over 38C (100.4F) or children with fever over 38.3C (101F) and is difficult to wake.
-A mental health emergency such as acute psychosis or mania. Individuals having thoughts of self-harm or harming others can call crisis intervention at 1-888-757-7766.