PRHC's Emergency Department Is Seeing An Additional 40 Patients Per Day

The number of patients being seen in the Emergency Department (ED) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has risen from about 220 to 260 per day in recent weeks.
 
Approximately 20 percent of these ED visits are patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, and this number is steadily increasing.

SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER WAIT TIMES

"We are seeing a substantial rise in the number of patients through the ED, which results in significantly longer wait times for patients" says Dr. Mark Troughton, Chief and Medical Director of the Emergency Department at PRHC. "This is a trend currently being seen throughout the region and across the province."
 
Since the beginning of December, PRHC has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of patients who require additional precautions for flu-like illness and/or vomiting and diarrhea. The hospital’s need for isolation beds has also doubled in the past month.

MAJOR INCREASE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Although the number of lab-confirmed influenza (flu) cases in the community continues to rise, there are many other types of respiratory viruses circulating. Since December 21, PRHC has provided molecular rapid flu testing in-house. Of 63 flu tests performed on hospital patients, only 11 were positive for influenza.
 
"We have seen a major increase in pediatric patients with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a number of whom have been admitted to the hospital for treatment," adds Dr. Troughton.

OTHER OPTIONS THAN EMERG

In partnership with the Family Health Team and Peterborough Public Health, the Health Centre would like to remind patients to consider the options available to them before deciding where to seek healthcare.
 
"All patients with severe flu-like symptoms should always go the emergency room for care," says Dr. Troughton. "Patients with mild symptoms can stay home and rest, while patients with moderate symptoms can visit their family doctor."

The Peterborough Family Health Team reminds the community that family practitioners at clinics in the city and county offer same-day appointments and extended-hours clinics. They encourage residents to consider these options before visiting PRHC's Emergency Department.
 
"The Peterborough Family Health Team is here to care for you and your family, so please contact your doctor's office to find out what is available to you," says Dr. Kaetlen Wilson, Medical Director for the Family Health Team.
 
If you determine that your medical situation does not require a visit to the ED, consider the following options:
 
• Call your family doctor or nurse practitioner—clinic information will be offered via the office voicemail message
• Visit peterboroughfht.com for clinic hours and information
• Speak to a registered nurse by calling Telehealth Ontario (24 hours) at 1-866-797-0000

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