Peterborough, ON – With respiratory illness season upon us, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), Peterborough Family Health Team (PFHT) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) are asking community members to consider the available healthcare options before heading to the Emergency Department (ED).

With mounting patient volumes and acuity being seen at PRHC, we encourage you to assess the urgency of your condition and consider alternatives to the ED if you do not require emergency care. If you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, they may offer same-day appointments. PFHT-affiliated physicians also offer extended-hour clinics to serve their rostered patients with non-emergent health concerns. Those with a family physician or nurse practitioner are encouraged to call them first and to use the extended hours service if their physician is away. Learn more about the extended hours service.

If you don’t have a primary care provider, PRHC provides a current list of alternative healthcare options here: https://tinyurl.com/mvxeen6r. This list includes PFHT Health Clinic for unattached patients (closed on statutory holidays only) and other primary care services, including after-hours options, virtual care clinics, PRHC’s Pediatric Urgent Care (POP) Clinic, walk-in clinics, and the Health 811 service.

PRHC’s ED is available 24/7 for patients who need emergency care.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone over the age the age of six (6) months. PRHC does not offer these vaccines to members of the community. Find information about the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine and RSV immunization here. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may also be available at your local pharmacy. COVID-19 vaccination can be booked through the Provincial Vaccine Booking Centre online or by calling 1-833-943-3900. Eligible residents can receive testing for COVID-19 at participating pharmacies.

Residents are advised to check Peterborough Public Health’s COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Virus Risk Index for guidance on staying safe during holiday gatherings. Consider borrowing a CO2 monitor from your local library to monitor indoor air quality and help prevent the spread of respiratory infections. This holiday season, please stay home if you are ill to prevent spreading infections to friends and loved ones.

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For more information:

Michelene Ough | Director, Communications, PRHC | mough@prhc.on.ca

Renee MacKenzie | Communications Officer & Operations Support, Peterborough Family Health Team | renee.mackenzie@peterboroughfht.com

Media Relations | Peterborough Public Health | media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca