Emergency Department Pressures at Local Hospitals

Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores HealthCare, in conjunction with Essex-Windsor EMS, are cautioning the public about intensifying capacity pressures across the acute care system in our region.

Hospitals are reporting significant bed capacity concerns amid not only rising COVID-19 cases but also a recent surge in respiratory ailments. Although emergency cases are always attended to rapidly and receive immediate medical treatment, patients should expect that wait times and treatment for any ailments other than emergencies will be much longer than usual.

Ambulance response times for non-emergency situations may also be longer than usual. We are asking patients to seek care where possible, for non-emergency needs, in community settings, such as their family doctor or local medical clinic, to help alleviate strain on the system. Information regarding potential non-emergency options are listed here - ED Alternatives. If you are unsure whether you require emergency or urgent care, please visit the Essex-Windsor EMS “Make The Right Call” webpage for helpful information.

Local health care partners continue to stress the importance of getting vaccinated to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19, be it a first or second vaccination where able, or a booster shot when available. Information on vaccinations, including how to check eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccination and schedule an appointment, as well as the locations of vaccine pop-up walk-in vaccination clinics, can be found at www.wevax.ca. Flu shots are also recommended at local pharmacies, with viruses more easily spread now that we have entered the winter season with more individuals sharing space indoors.

We must work to preserve capacity in our healthcare system for patients. Our local partners will continue to collaborate to ensure our regional system is able to handle an influx of patients that will challenge our capacity to ensure timely access to care.