HSN says it is experiencing extremely high patient volumes in all departments, and expect it to continue with flu season in full effect.
"With this significant surge, patients coming to our Emergency Department can expect longer than usual wait times. Please be patient with us," says spokesman Jason Turnbull in a news release.
See: Bed crisis at HSN cancels surgeries
All emergency issues should be referred to HSN’s Emergency Department but the hospital asks that all non-urgent care issues, patients should look to other options such as:
- walk-in clinics
- local pharmacies
- Telehealth Ontario can also be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-866-797-0000.
All area hospitals advise that hand hygiene is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection. Anyone who enters or exits the hospital, or a patient room, must clear their hands with hand hygiene products provide.
Do not visit patients if you are not feeling well or if you have any of the following symptoms:
- cough,
- sore throat,
- fever,
- runny nose,
- vomiting and/or
- diarrhea.
