Hospital currently at 113% capacity; 21 additional patient beds opened

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is currently experiencing sustained pressures in our Emergency Department due to an increase in the number of patients coming to the hospital for care.

We are currently at 113% of our capacity, with 21 additional patient beds opened. This is in addition to 24 surge beds opened in December to accommodate the anticipated seasonal increase in patient volumes.

PRHC staff and leadership continue to work with our community and regional partners to provide efficient, safe patient care while managing the flow of patients through the Emergency Department and other areas of the Health Centre.

“Hospital staff are doing an excellent job of caring for patients, particularly given our current volumes,” said Dr. Nancy White, Chief Medical Officer with PRHC. “Our healthcare professionals and support staff have been working harder than usual in recent weeks, and while they have done an exceptional job of pulling together to manage these patient numbers, they are certainly feeling the effects of the sustained surge.”

PRHC reminds patients to assess their healthcare needs before deciding where to seek care. Patients who require urgent care should visit the Emergency Department. If you determine that your medical situation does not require a visit to the ED, please consider the following options:

  • Call your family doctor or nurse practitioner – clinic information will be offered via the office voicemail message
  • Visit www.peterboroughfht.com for clinic hours and information
  • Speak to a registered nurse by calling Telehealth Ontario (24 hours) at1-866-797-0000
  • While the Pediatric (POP) Urgent Care Clinic at PRHC has also seen an increase in patient volumes, it continues to offer after-hours care for patients under the age of 18 with urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses. For more information and clinic hours: www.prhc.on.ca/cms/pop-urgent-care

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For More Information:

Michelene Ough, Communications Lead
705-743-2121 x. 4259
mough@prhc.on.ca