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Expect longer waits at hospital

North Bay Regional Health Centre News Release ************************ As the busiest time of the year in the Emergency Department (ED) approaches, it is expected that wait times will grow longer due to a shortage of physicians.
North Bay Regional Health Centre
News Release

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As the busiest time of the year in the Emergency Department (ED) approaches, it is expected that wait times will grow longer due to a shortage of physicians.



“Over the past few spring/summer seasons we have been able to keep our Emergency Department open through the extraordinary efforts and increased work load of an ever decreasing number of available physicians,” said Ann Loyst, Director, Medicine. “As we head into the busiest part of the year, we feel it is essential to alert the public that despite our aggressive efforts to recruit more physicians, this shortage will increase wait times in the ED during specific shifts.”



During a 24-hour period, the ED should have enough physicians to cover six shifts (equivalent to 50 hours of coverage). The current number of physician coverage hours is four to five shifts; meaning the health centre is often short one to two shifts, extending the wait time in the ED.



“Our Emergency Physicians do more than just work shifts in the Emergency Department,” said Loyst, “Many also have their own practices, assist with surgeries, or participate in other aspects of health care in the community.”



The ED has seen a significant increase in patient visits since moving to the new health centre. In 2009, the North Bay General Hospital had 46,000 annual visits to the ED. In 2011/2012 that number has increased to 56,200 visits and, should our present volumes continue, it is expected the total will rise to 61,000 in 2012/2013.



The ED is also seeing an increase in patients with non-urgent issues; many due to the fact they do not have a Family Physician. The hospital is also finding that many of these patients are waiting longer to seek medical attention and therefore, are presenting with more severe symptoms by the time they do arrive in the ED.



“We don’t want to discourage people from coming to the Emergency Department when they feel it necessary; however we do need people to understand that our number one priority is emergency situations,” explained Loyst. “We do ask for the public’s patience and understanding when they arrive to the department for non-urgent care. Staff will get to them as soon as possible however be prepared for a lengthy wait time,” she added.



NBRHC has a full time Physician Recruiter who aggressively recruits physicians and works closely with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and medical schools in the province to ensure NBRHC and the city maximizes its student/resident complement. Recruitment efforts for permanent ED physicians are now nation-wide to fill vacancies.

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