The North Bay Regional Health Centre has issued an emergency department wait time alert for July and August.
Officials say the emerge continues to see higher than average patient volumes and along with combined staff shortages and capacity pressures, it’s resulting in longer wait times.
Medical Director for the Emergency Department, Dr. Lisa Harman, says they’re operating above capacity, and the department is seeing over ten-hour wait times.
Harman acknowledges it can be frustrating to wait when volumes are high, but says staff is trying to see patients as soon as they can.
Officials have shared a variety of ways the community can help lower the wait time:
Know your health care options: how our community can help
- Patients who do have access to a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) are encouraged to book a visit for non-urgent care, or attend one of the community walk-in clinics.
- Seek health-related advice from a registered nurse by calling Health Connect Ontario, 24/7 at 811 or chatting online.
- Book an appointment to speak to your local pharmacist. Some pharmacists in Ontario can now assess for 13 minor illnesses or conditions (urinary tract infection, cold sore, pink eye, tick bites, skin rashes).
- For a mental health concern, call the crisis line at 1-800-352-1141.
- For non-urgent care that requires an ED visit, explore other emergency services.
- Visit NBRHC’s wait time tracker to familiarize yourself with the current time to see a physician. Peak time is usually Sunday to Tuesday with the longest wait times occurring in the afternoon to early evening.
- For critical or life-threatening conditions that need immediate attention, continue to call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.”
