Care Over the Holidays
November 29, 2019
Over the holiday season, healthcare providers often experience a surge in the number of people seeking care. There are ways to support your health over the holidays, including getting your flu shot, and visiting your primary healthcare provider and pharmacist to ensure your prescriptions are up to date. With primary care offices closed over the holidays, many people seek care from the Ross Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, which is open 24/7. There are other health services available in the community that might be more appropriate, depending on the patient’s needs. Keep the information below on hand to learn when various clinics in our area are OPEN over the holidays.
| The City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Organization After Hours Clinic in Lindsay (55 Angeline St. N.) Dec. 24 6:00pm to 9:00pm Dec. 28 & Dec. 29 9:00am to noon Dec. 26 9:00am to noon Dec. 30 & 31 6:00pm to 9:00pm Dec. 27 6:00pm to 9:00pm After Hours Clinic in Bobcaygeon (85 Bolton St.) Dec. 27, 30 & 31 9:00am to noon. Regular hours resume Jan. 8, Wednesdays, 5-8pm |
| The Kawartha North Family Health Team Fenelon Falls Office (50 Colborne St.) Dec. 23, 30 & 31 8:30am-4:30pm Bobcaygeon Office (100 East St.) Dec. 30 & 31 8:00am-3:00pm. Regular hours resume Jan. 2. Bobcaygeon After Hours Clinic (100 East St.) Dec. 23 4:00-7:00pm. Regular hours resume Jan. 7, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-7 pm. Fenelon Falls After Hours Clinic (53 Colborne St., at the Pharmasave) Dec. 20 9:00am-noon. Regular hours resume Jan.10, from 9-noon. |
| The Community Care Health & Care Network Community Health Centre in Lindsay (108 Angeline St. S.) will be open to see registered clients on: Dec 23 8:30am-4:30pm Dec 31 8:30am-1:00pm Dec 24 8:30am-1:00pm January 2 & 3 8:30am-4:30pm Dec 27 & 30 8:30am-4:30pm |
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. Seek care if you notice any of the following signs:
- fast or difficult breathing
- bluish or darkening 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.
Patients are also advised to bring all medication you are taking if you come to the ER.
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 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.