Sudbury Northern Life
The emergency department at the Sudbury Regional Hospital (HRSRH) is bracing for increased demands for its services during the holiday season.
“Holidays are usually the busiest time for the emergency department, particularly during the Christmas break when at certain times, we are the only show in town,” said Dr. Chris Bourdon, medical director of the HRSRH emergency department.
“At this time of year we will often see more than our usual 200 emergency cases per day, and that can translate into longer wait times for those with less urgent cases.”
Bourdon noted patients in the emergency department are seen in order of need, not time of arrival. While physicians do their best to see everyone as quickly as possible, some may need to wait.
“Nonetheless,” said Bourdon, “we want people to be confident that critically ill patients are seen immediately, with no delay.”
The HRSRH has launched a public information campaign encouraging people to consider their situation, and determine whether or not they require emergency care before visiting the emergency department.
“If a person truly believes their case is an emergency, we encourage them to visit the emergency department,” said Bourdon.
“If the problem is less urgent there may be other options,” he added, listing walk-in clinics, local pharmacies and Telehealth Ontario as potential avenues for non-urgent care. (Telehealth Ontario is a 24/7 service, which can be reached by calling 1-866-797-0000.)
The HRSRH emergency department is one of the busiest in Ontario with 60,000 annual visits. It provides 24-hour emergency services, seven days a week to more than 560,000 residents in the City of Greater Sudbury and northeastern Ontario.
