NBRHC Emergency Department Prepares for Increase in Holiday Visits

We know that the holidays are a busy time for everyone—and that includes our Emergency Department!

Each year, visits to the Emergency Department (ED) at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) increase during the holidays. There are many factors that contribute to this increase,
including flu season and the fact many physician offices and walk in clinics have reduced hours for the holiday season.

Once again the Hospital has put processes in place to address the holiday surge. Dr. Erica Buck, Chief, Department of Emergency Medicine says with a little bit of planning, the community can
help reduce the pressure on the ED this holiday season. “This is a really busy time of year for people—buying gifts, baking and holiday parties. It’s easy to overlook things like medication renewal,” Dr. Buck says. “We would like to encourage people to take the time to check your prescriptions and make sure any medication renewals are done before your physician’s office or pharmacy closes,” she continues.

Also, familiarizing yourself with the options available for non-urgent care, like Telehealth Ontario or walk-in clinic availability, can also save you a non-urgent trip to the ED. A schedule of walk-in clinics available during the holidays can be viewed on the hospital’s website here.

“Of course, in the case of an Emergency, please do not hesitate, and go straight to the Emergency Department. Our team is here 24/7 and we have a dedicated team of staff who will be here right through the holidays,” Dr. Buck says.

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Contact:
Lindsay Smylie Smith
Communications Specialist
lindsay.smyliesmith@nbrhc.on.ca
705-495-7592
cell 705.492.1235