Where to Access Care over the Holidays
The onset of flu season and the increase in social gatherings over the holidays means healthcare providers can expect a surge in the number of people seeking care at Christmas time.
With physicians’ offices closed for the holidays, many of these people seek help from the RMH Emergency Department. It’s important to remember, however, that there are other health services available in the community that might be more appropriate, depending on a patient’s needs.
Community healthcare providers are working together and have increased their hours of service over the holidays in order to improve access to care without overwhelming the Emergency Department and causing long wait times.
The CKL Family Health Organization’s After Hours Clinic in Lindsay (55 Angeline Street N.) will be open on the following dates and times:
Dec 21-24 6:00pm-9:00pm
Dec 25 CLOSED
Dec 26-27 9:00am-noon
Dec 28-31 6:00pm-9:00pm
Jan 1 CLOSED
Jan 2-3 9:00am-noon
Regular hours resume Jan 4: Mon-Fri 6:00pm-9:00pm Sat/Sun 9:00am-noon
The CKL Family Health Organization’s After Hours Clinic in Bobcaygeon (85 Bolton St.) will be open Dec 23 5:00pm-8:00pm, Dec 24 9:00am-noon and Dec 30 5:00pm-8:00pm. Regular hours of operation are Wednesday evenings 5:00pm-8:00pm.
The Kawartha North Family Health Team’s After Hours Clinic in Bobcaygeon (100 East St.) will be open on Dec 22, Dec 24, Dec 29, Dec 31 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Regular hours of operation are Tuesday & Thursday evenings 5:00pm-7:00pm.
The Kawartha North Family Health Team’s After Hours Clinic in Fenelon Falls (Pharmasave) will be closed on Dec 25 and Jan 1. Regular hours of operation are Fridays 9:00am-noon.
The Community Care CKL Community Health Centre in Lindsay (108 Angeline St. S.) will be open to see registered patients of the CHC on:
Dec 21 8:30am-7:00pm
Dec 22 8:30am-4:30pm
Dec 23 8:30am-4:30pm
Dec 24 CLOSED
Dec 25 CLOSED
Dec 26 CLOSED
Dec 27 CLOSED
Dec 28 8:30am-7:00pm
Dec 29 8:30am-4:30pm
Dec 30 8:30am-4:30pm
Dec 31 CLOSED
Jan 1 CLOSED
People may also speak to a Registered Nurse by phone (toll-free) by calling Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007).
You may also consider calling your family’s pharmacist for advice.
Understanding Influenza (The Flu)
Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by a virus. Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, weakness, body aches and headache. Influenza can lead to pneumonia.
Most people with the flu are strongly encouraged to avoid the Emergency Department to prevent spreading the flu to others, but it can be difficult to know when and where to seek medical help.
To help people know when to stay home and when to seek help, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care developed an online self-screening tool at ontario.ca/flu. The website also offers tips for managing flu symptoms at home, which include drinking lots of fluids and taking basic pain or fever symptom relievers.
When to seek medical help
If you do not start to feel better after a few days or if your symptoms get worse, you should:
· Call your health care provider
· Call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 (toll free) TTY: 1-866-797-0007
· Visit one of the local After Hours Clinics
When to come to the hospital
Adults should come to the Emergency Department if they have flu symptoms and have difficulty breathing, can’t tolerate fluids or are concerned.
Children should be brought to the Emergency Department if their symptoms improve and then suddenly become worse. In addition, seek care if you notice any of the following signs:
· fast or difficult breathing
· bluish or dark-coloured lips or skin
· drowsiness to the point where he or she cannot be easily wakened
· severe crankiness or not wanting to be held or
· dehydration – not drinking enough fluids and not passing urine regularly.
Protect yourself and others against Influenza
If you haven't been vaccinated, please consider getting the flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones. Contact your healthcare provider or participating pharmacist.
To help protect patients and the RMH team against the flu, RMH has launched a new policy that strongly encourages all staff, physicians, volunteers and students who are not vaccinated against the flu to wear a surgical mask while in patient care areas.