Grey Bruce Health Services says it is seeing an increase in wait times at emergency departments across its six hospitals, but many patients are arriving with only minor health concerns that do not require emergency care.
In a release, Chief of the Owen Sound Hospital Emergency Department, Dr. Sunil Mehta, states "Our ED's are busier than usual, and like hospitals across Ontario, many of our departments are short staffed."
"If you have a minor issue that can be treated by your family doctor, please try that option first," said Mehta.
The release notes that for minor health issues that do not require immediate attention, there are phone and virtual options, including Health Connect Ontario, a provincially-run, 24/7 phone line where patients can speak directly to a nurse for advice.
Virtual visits with a GBHS doctor are also available for patients of all ages every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
