With an increase in cases of respiratory illnesses in the Grey Bruce area, patients will continue to see delays at hospital emergency rooms with the Brightshores health care system.
Brightshores Vice President of Clinial Programs, and Chief Nursing Executive, Beth Morris explained several viruses are sending people to the ER.
"Over the past few weeks, we have seen an increase in the number of respiratory illnesses in the community, so an increase in the number of (cases of) RSV and also influenza," she revealed. " So those are reasons that people are coming into the emergency department."
Morris added the wait times at their six hospital sites can vary, but could be very long for some patients.
"It really depends on what you're coming to the emergency Department for," she continued. "And also, what time of day, but we are seeing wait times that vary from maybe two hours to eight hours depending on the reason for your visit."
She pointed out patients with the most severe issues are treated more quickly.
"So urgent medical issues are prioritized and are seen first, and things that are less urgent would be seen later," she outlined. "So you know, if someone was experiencing chest pain, they would be prioritized, as compared to someone with a sore finger."
Morris added their emergency departments are fully staffed, and they have not experienced the same emergency room staffing issues as other local hospital systems.
Morris said people can try other options.
"Contacting your primary care provider, utilizing the telehealth services to get the care that you need or the advice that you need," she explained. "There's also health 811. You can call 811 or there's a toll free number 1-866-797-0007 for non urgent health information."
However, Morris added the shortage of family doctors does impact emergency rooms as well.
"Not everyone has the primary care provider, and so you know their options are limited when they don't have a family physician or a nurse practitioner to go to," she continued. "So options for them are limited and they they do access the emergency department more."
Morris urged everyone to keep calm while they wait for care in the ER.
"Please remember that everyone there is seeking medical care. We're all in this together," Morris stressed. "Please be patient, and you know, try to be kind to our staff. We will do the same in turn and make sure that you get seen and treated and on your way."
Brightshores hospitals are located in Owen Sound, Markdale, Wiarton, Lion's Head, Meaford, and Southampton.