Increased wait times across the six hospitals in Grey Bruce have prompted a reminder to the public to limit emergency department (ED) visits to urgent health issues only.
Grey Bruce Health Services issued a news release asking residents to avoid visiting the ED for "minor health concerns."
"To reduce times ... and ensure that critical patients get the care they need, the public is being encouraged to seek alternatives to the ED for minor health issues," states the news release.
Grey Bruce Health Services includes the hospitals in Meaford, Markdale, Owen Sound, Southampton, Wiarton, and Lion's Head.
Instead of going to the ED for non-emergency issues, Grey Bruce Health Services recommends using Health Connect Ontario (formerly Telehealth), which is a 24/7 phone line run by the province that allows patients to speak directly to a nurse. Health Connect Ontario can be reached by dialing 811.
There are also same-day virtual visits with a Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) doctor available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Patients must register online first at the GBHS website prior to getting a virtual appointment: https://www.gbhs.on.ca/virtual-urgent-care/.
"Virtual urgent care is a great option for those who need to see a doctor, but cannot get in to see their family physician, or are not sick enough to go to an emergency department," states the release.
On May 19, 2022, Grey Bruce Health Services president and CEO Gary Sims announced it was becoming "increasingly difficult" to cover all the open shifts for the region's emergency departments.
All six of the Grey Bruce hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments and the corporation needs 15 physicians from a roster of local doctors to staff those EDs for each 24-hour period.
There are also nursing shortages impacting GBHS departments and hospitals.
Though none of the Grey Bruce emergency departments have closed because of staffing issues this summer, others in neighbouring regions such as Huron Pert, North Wellington, and South Bruce Grey.
"No one wants to close," said Sims in the May news release. "Our nurses and doctors are doing a tremendous job, and temporary service reductions are something we would only do as a last resort. Right now, we are putting contingency plans in place in case a last-minute shift cannot be filled."
According to GBHS, those contingency plans include enhanced recruitment and working with ambulance services to prepare for diversion if hours are reduced at an emergency department.
"When possible, notification of a temporary closure will be provided 48 hours in advance through radio, newspapers, social media, and signs in the impacted area," states the news release.
