Long waits expected at the ER this weekend

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT AREA HOSPITAL

********************* SAH emergency physicians shortage expect to wait

May 26, 2006 - The Sault Area Hospital (SAH) is experiencing a shortage of physician coverage in its emergency department.

Recent exhaustive efforts have failed to secure community or locum physicians to fully cover its emergency department physician requirements.

In particular, SAH anticipates that it will only have a single physician (instead of its normal compliment of two) in its emergency department on May 27 & 28, 2006.

As a result, although SAH's emergency department is open, patients can expect longer waits.

At SAH's emergency department, patients are seen in order of need, with the most urgent cases being given priority.

Patients are asked that if their condition changes while waiting, they advise the emergency nurse.

SAH's walk-in clinic remains open on both May 27 & 28 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Area residents are reminded that they can also 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.

SAH appreciates the ongoing patience and understanding of its patients.

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