You’ll have to be patient, if you’re a patient at North Hastings Hospital.
Quint Health, the organization that oversees the Bancroft hospital, says its emergency departments are experiencing longer than average wait times. This is due to an increase in the numbers of patients needing care at all four of its hospitals, combined with staffing challenges.
The statement was issued ahead of the New Year’s holiday weekend and it still applies this week, a spokesperson said.
Quinte Health says if your health concern isn’t an emergency, consider alternative health care options, such as the East Region Virtual Care Clinic, listed on the ‘know where to go’ section of its website.
“Our teams respond first to the most critically ill patients,” the statement says. “That means patients that aren’t facing imminent, life-threatening issues will wait for longer periods of time and we recommend they come with reading material or a device to help pass the time.
“We understand that patients waiting can feel terrible and uncomfortable, but in the hospital setting, we must care for the most timely and grave health issues first. We ask for everyone’s patience at this time and for your continued support and respect for our teams.”
Quinte Health also says that with COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating at the same time as common cold and cough viruses, it is experiencing a high number of respiratory illnesses.
“Certain members of the community, such as older adults, pregnant individuals, young children, and those with compromised immune systems, face a higher risk of experiencing severe illness, complications, and hospitalizations.
“Help minimize the transmission of respiratory illnesses by staying home when unwell, frequent handwashing, and consistently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.”