Hospital anticipating higher-than-usual wait times in weeks ahead as patient volumes increase, COVID-19 isolation precautions continue and new clinical information system launches

With patient volumes up to pre-pandemic levels, cases of influenza circulating in the community, ongoing COVID-19 patient isolation precautions, and a new clinical information system set to launch on Friday, December 3, Peterborough Regional Health Centre is advising community members to consider their healthcare options in the community before coming to the Emergency Department (ED) for care in the weeks ahead.

“The hospital continues to work hard to create additional space and capacity in order to continue accommodating patient needs throughout the fall and winter seasons,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, EVP, Chief of Staff and Chief Medical Executive at PRHC. “This time of year is traditionally one of the busiest times for the Emergency Department as respiratory illnesses increase in the community. With a number of additional factors converging this year, in order to provide the best care possible, we encourage community members to assess the urgency of their illness and consider the best place to seek care.”

PRHC is currently seeing Emergency Department and inpatient volumes at the same levels we experienced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also experiencing:

  • An increase in respiratory illness, including an increase in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
  • Continued use of enhanced isolation precautions for patients to prevent the spread of illness within the hospital.
  • The implementation of a new clinical information system – a major shift to better serve and care for our patients and their loved ones.

Additional tips and information are available at www.ontario.ca/flu. Community members are also urged to consider this list of alternative options for healthcare before making a trip to the ED.

The flu shot is free and widely available at many local pharmacies and your doctor’s office. Call your doctor to make an appointment for a flu shot for yourself or a member of your family and ask about your doctor’s flu clinic schedule. Residents can easily find out where the flu shot is available by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/flu.

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For more information:
Michelene Ough
Director, Communications
mough@prhc.on.ca