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Stevenson Memorial Hospital reporting record volume in ER

July 28, 2022   ·   0 Comments

Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston is reporting a record high volume of patients in its Emergency Department this summer.

The hospital had a record 152 patients in one day in May, and those numbers have remained high ever since.

The daily average of patients going to the Emergency department has grown to 105, and is now higher than it was during 2019 – before the start of the pandemic.

The hospital says that with a growing community population, an increase in cases of COVID-19, along with resource challenges and limited options for in-person care during the weekend and evenings, wait times have been impacted.

“Our staff have been working incredibly hard not only over the past few months, but years with the onset of the pandemic and they are tired, but we are doing everything we can as an important health care resource to remain open for our community,” said Julia Sek, VP Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive, at SMH. “Wait times are increasing, so it’s important that the community understands the triage process, as well as making the most optimal choice for accessing care based on their medical needs.”

People who got to the Emergency Department for treatment are reminded that patients are seen based on urgent need. That need is assessed by a triage nurse who determines the seriousness, and who needs to be seen first.

The Emergency Department does not work on a “first come, first served” basis.

If you require care for less severe symptoms or non life-threatening issues, you are encouraged to see your family physician or primary care provider. This includes, but is not limited to, cold and flu symptoms, sprains, rashes and skin conditions, and urinary tract infections.

It is also important to visit your family physician for prescription renewals instead of going to the Emergency Department.

You should go to the Emergency Department if someone is experiencing severe symptoms of illness, or serious or life-threatening health concerns.

This includes broken bones, serious burns, seizures and convulsions, confusion, chest pain or tightness which may indicate a heart attack, eye or head injuries, high fever, a baby under three months with a fever, uncontrolled or severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or someone having symptoms of a stroke.

The hospital is asking that visitors to the Emergency Department be patient and kind with staff as they are working very hard to manage the process and care of many patients.

By Brian Lockhart

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