If you need to go to the emergency department at Windsor Regional Hospital, be prepared to wait a long time.
According to a notice Wednesday evening on the hospital's official website, the emergency departments at both the Metropolitan and Ouellette campuses are experiencing a much higher volume of patients than usual. The wait time at both campuses was at least five hours as of 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The hospital said those wanting to be seen for less serious illnesses or injuries could wait a while to get treatment, with the most critical cases being taken first.
"Hospitals are reporting significant bed capacity concerns amid not only rising COVID-19 cases but also a recent surge in respiratory ailments," read a statement from Windsor Regional Hospital. "Although emergency cases are always attended to rapidly and receive immediate medical treatment, patients should expect that wait times and treatment for any ailments other than emergencies will be much longer than usual. Ambulance response times for non-emergency situations may also be longer than usual."
Those that are having serious health issues should go to the ED immediately or call 911, and patients with minor problems should only go to the hospital as a last resort. Those with less-urgent issues should try to see their primary care provider first. If they are not available, patients should visit their nearest urgent-care centre or clinic, contact TeleHealth Ontario, or have a virtual visit with a physician.
Meanwhile, Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington was reporting a four-hour wait at that time on Wednesday evening. Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in Windsor does not have an emergency department.
