The company that runs the North Hastings Hospital, along with Belleville, Picton, and Trenton, says an “extreme increase in the number of patients at all four hospitals” is significantly impacting their emergency department wait times.
They say those experiencing non-emergency health issues will be waiting longer in the emergency rooms (ER).
“We understand that patients waiting can feel terrible and uncomfortable,” Catherine Walker, Director, Communications and Organizational Development stated in a media release. “We ask for everyone’s patience and for your continued support and respect for our teams.”
They are asking the public to determine if the ER is the appropriate place depending on their symptoms, as patients are cared for in the emergency room based on how severe their symptoms are.