MHA Warns of Increased Wait Times in Emergency Departments

Strathroy, ON — November 22, 2024 — The Middlesex Hospital Alliance (MHA) is advising the community that emergency departments at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital and Four Counties Health Services in Newbury are experiencing a substantial increase in patient visits. As a result, individuals seeking emergency care should expect longer wait times than usual. 

The MHA’s dedicated healthcare teams are working diligently to provide the best care possible to local residents and encourages community members to consider alternative options for non-emergency health concerns. 

If your health issue is not an emergency, please consider the following options: 

  • Call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse who can provide advice and information on your symptoms and treatment options. A chat option is also available on the 8-1-1 website here
  • Visit your family health team or family physician. If you don’t have a family physician, these resources can help
  • Consult your pharmacist, who is now able to treat a variety of minor illnesses and can assist with over-the-counter medications. 

“We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience during this busy season” says Dr. Elisheva Chernick, Chief of Staff at the MHA. “The community’s cooperation in choosing the appropriate care options helps to ensure that emergency services remain available for those who need urgent medical attention. The MHA would also like to express its gratitude to our dedicated staff, physicians, and volunteers who provide such exceptional care for our patients and families especially under these very challenging circumstances.” 

It is also important to understand how triage works in emergency departments. All patients (whether they come in by ambulance or walk-in) are assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) and based on that assessment, the most critically ill/injured patients are seen first. When coming into an emergency department, it is always wise to anticipate a wait, and if your condition worsens while in the waiting room, please advise our staff. 

For more information about wait times, visit the MHA website here: https://mhalliance.on.ca/performance-and-public-reporting/wait-times/  

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Media Contact: 
Rhiana Alfadili 
rhiana.alfadili@mha.tvh.ca  
519-245-5295 ext 5599 

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