Patients arriving at Sault Area Hospital’s emergency department can expect longer wait times, a SAH social media post on Tuesday indicates.
“Our ED is experiencing a high volume of patients, sicker patients, staffing shortages, and limited inpatient beds. Patients who come to the hospital are prioritized based on their medical needs and are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, patients with non-urgent conditions will have a longer wait,” SAH states.
“We ask for everyone’s patience as our teams prioritize the needs of each patient. Please be patient and kind with our staff as we manage multiple demands in our Emergency Department. We appreciate the community’s support as we work through this busy time.”
SAH says that calling an ambulance will not necessarily get you faster attention once you are at the hospital.
“Patients with non-urgent health care needs may want to consider these options: call your family doctor, nurse practitioner or their on-call services. If they are not available, please visit a walk-in clinic.”
“If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or proceed to the Emergency Department. Do not delay care. If you are unsure whether you have an emergency, seek health-related advice from a Registered Nurse by calling Health811 (formerly Telehealth Ontario) 24/7. Call 811 or visit Health 811's website.