Niagara Health reports a significant number of Emergency Department patients who don't need this level of care.
Niagara Health says a large number of patients are accessing Emergency Departments for issues that can be treated by family doctors and other care providers.
In a release, the organization says many people are there to get a COVID-19 test and have mild or no symptoms.
In these cases, patients are advised to self-isolate at home and reach out to primary care providers if they need help managing their symptoms.
"The ED is the busiest area of the hospital," says Dr. Johan Viljoen, Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs. "All hospitals in Canada assess patients using the same national standard to ensure the sickest patients are always seen first, even if they arrive after other patients. If you visit the ED for a minor illness or injury, please expect to wait."
Niagara Health is prioritizing COVID-19 tests for those at greatest risk, including emergency responders and healthcare workers.
If emergency care isn't needed, you're advised to take advantage of other options such as your family doctor, walk-in clinics, community health centres or nurse practitioner clinics.
For patients that can't wait for a scheduled appointment, Niagara Health suggests visiting Urgent Care Centres in Fort Erie or Port Colborne.
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