Ross Memorial Hospital bracing for holiday ER surge

KAWARTHA LAKES-The onset of flu season and the increase in social gatherings over the holidays means healthcare providers can expect a surge in the number of people seeking care at Christmas time according to hospital officials.

With physicians’ offices closed for the holidays, many of these people seek help from the RMH Emergency Department, which is open 24/7.

There are also health services available in the community that might be more appropriate, depending on a patient’s needs.

Here’s some information provided by the hospital:

The CKL Family Health Organization’s After Hours Clinic in Lindsay (55 Angeline Street N.)

Mon.Dec 24 6pm-9pm

December 25 CLOSED
Sat.Dec 29  9am – noon
Mon.Dec 31  6pm – 9pm
Jan. 1            CLOSED

The CKL Family Health Organization’s After Hours Clinic in Bobcaygeon (85 Bolton St.):
Dec. 19         5:00pm-8:00pm
Dec. 27         9:00am-Noon

December 28th Noon-4

(Regular hours of operation are Wednesday evenings 5:00pm-8:00pm.)

The Kawartha North Family Health Team Office in Bobcaygeon will be open to all patients from both Kawartha North offices on Dec. 28 for acute access 8:00am-11:30am (FHT patients only, no appointment necessary). Normal hours resume on Jan. 2.

The Kawartha North Family Health Team’s After Hours Clinic in Bobcaygeon (100 East St.) will be open on Dec. 28   1:00pm-3:00pm. (Regular hours of operation are Tues & Thurs  5:00pm-7:00pm.)

The Kawartha North Family Health Team’s After Hours Clinic in Fenelon Falls (at the Pharmasave) will be open on Dec. 29    9:00am-noon. (Regular hours are Fridays 9:00am-noon.)

The Community Care Health & Care Network Community Health Centre in Lindsay (108 Angeline St. S.) will be open to see registered clients of the CHC on:
Dec. 25           CLOSED
Dec. 26           CLOSED
Dec. 27           8:30am-7:00pm
Dec. 28           8:30am-4:30pm
Dec. 29           8:30am-4:30pm
Jan. 1             CLOSED
Jan. 2             8:30am-4:30pm
Jan. 3             8:30am-4:30pm
Jan. 4             8:30am-4:30pm
Jan. 5             8:30am-4:30pm

People may also speak to a Registered Nurse by phone (toll-free) by calling Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000  (TTY: 1-866-797-0007).

You may also consider calling your family’s pharmacist for advice.

Understanding the Flu

Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by a virus. Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, weakness, body aches and headache. Influenza can lead to pneumonia.

The hospital says most people with the flu are strongly encouraged to avoid the Emergency Department to prevent spreading the flu to others, but it can be difficult to know when and where to seek medical help.

To help people know when to stay home and when to seek help, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care developed an online self-screening tool at ontario.ca/flu. The website also offers tips for managing flu symptoms at home, which include drinking lots of fluids and taking basic pain or fever symptom relievers.

When To Seek Medical Help

If you do not start to feel better after a few days or if your symptoms get worse, you should:
· Call your health care provider
· Call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 (toll free) TTY: 1-866-797-0007
· Visit one of the local After Hours Clinics

When To Come To The Hospital

Adults should come to the Emergency Department if they have flu symptoms and have difficulty breathing, can’t tolerate fluids or are concerned.

Children should be brought to the Emergency Department if their symptoms improve and then suddenly become worse. In addition, seek care if you notice any of the following signs:
· fast or difficult breathing
· bluish or dark-coloured lips or skin
· drowsiness to the point where he or she cannot be easily wakened
· severe crankiness or not wanting to be held or
· dehydration – not drinking enough fluids and not passing urine regularly.

Patients are also advised to bring all medication you are taking when you come to the ER.