By SooToday.com Staff
SooToday.com
Friday, November 06, 2009

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT AREA HOSPITAL

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Longer wait times possible for non-urgent cases

Due to possible shortages in emergency department (ED) physician availability on Saturday, November 7 and Monday, November 9, patients with non-urgent or less urgent concerns may experience longer than normal wait times for treatment.

We apologize for any delays and will endeavour to see patients as quickly as possible while continuing to deliver safe, quality care.

In the meantime, we will continue in our efforts to secure additional staffing for these days.

Patients presenting to the ED with urgent conditions will continue to be seen on a priority basis.

SAH also wishes to remind the public that visitor restrictions are currently in place.

Individuals presenting at the emergency department are to be accompanied by no more than one other person.

Only the patient will be allowed in the examination area (some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the physician).

Patients are also reminded to bring along their OHIP cards and all medications in the original containers.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for their non-urgent healthcare needs and can call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for free access to a registered nurse who can assess symptoms and help residents to decide next steps.

Individuals in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding region are also reminded of other alternatives available to them in seeking medical care, including the Group Health Centre Same Day Clinic (for GHC patients only), the SaultCare Medical Clinic in Cambrian Mall and the Family Medicine and Drop-In Clinic located in the Market Mall.

For more information about SAH, visit www.sah.on.ca

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