Thunder Bay hospital swamped amid warnings flu season, COVID-19 could stress care services – CBC
Health officials say staying up to date on vaccines will help ease the strain
Oct 18, 2022
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in northwestern Ontario is again warning of high volumes, limited inpatient beds, and delays in its emergency department as it prepares to deal with cold and flu season alongside an expected surge in COVID-19.
Hospital officials urge the public to first seek help from primary care providers for “less severe” emergencies before coming to the hospital.
“As patients are seen based on an assessment of individual illness, this will likely mean longer than normal wait times for those that have less severe emergencies,” the hospital said in a media release.
“Calling an ambulance will not necessarily get you faster attention once you are at the hospital.”
People who are unsure about their condition and the treatment they might need can get health-related advice from a registered nurse by calling Health Connect Ontario.
Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-hospital-covid-influenza-surge-1.6620034
