The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team (OHT) is helping residents navigate the healthcare options available this holiday season to avoid overcrowding emergency departments.
The organization recently released a resource flyer with details about expanded services.
Sarnia-Lambton OHT Executive Lead Nadine Neve said obviously, anyone in need of urgent care or in respiratory distress should go to a hospital or contact 911. But for non-severe cases, there are several alternatives.
"We do have access to care centres in both Sarnia and Wyoming. Wyoming has the Rural Access to Care [Centre] and Rapids Family Health Team provides access to care here in Sarnia," Neve said. "Anyone can access those, it doesn't matter if you have a primary care provider or not."
Mobile Care, also known as the clinic on wheels, offers care in Sarnia-Lambton.
"They have mental health, addictions care, primary care and they go across communities," Neve said.
The clinic's schedule can be found at sl.mobilecareclinic.ca.
Supported through Ontario Health is the virtual care option for non-emergency cases. The Age-Friendly Sarnia-Lambton website also offers a list of services and supports.
"Specifically knowing that mental health is a challenge over the holidays for some individuals," Neve said. "There's a tab right on the website that can link you to mental health supports."
Aside from mental health, Neve said there tends to be an increase in respiratory illnesses during the holidays.
OHT Primary Care Clinical Co-design Lead Dr. Vid Singh said an important aspect to prevent illness, especially in elderly residents and infants, is through vaccination.
"It's also important during the holiday period to contact your primary care provider... your nurse practitioner or your teams that you're affiliated with that can help with vaccinations or direct you where to go," Singh said. "It's also important to see what their hours are."
You can find the Sarnia-Lambton OHT Holiday Health Resources flyer by clicking here.
