Every day, hundreds of people visit our emergency departments. At times, staff and equipment are stretched to the limit. When this happens, people with minor injuries and illnesses may have to wait several hours while others with more serious problems are treated first.

Approximately 25 to 30 per cent of patients who visit the Emergency Department each year could have received proper care from their family doctor or at a Walk-In or After-Hours Clinic. If you know you just have a cold or minor health problem, see your family doctor or attend a clinic first. However, if you have any of the following health concerns, you should visit the nearest Emergency Department.

For Adults and Children:

• Moderate to severe stomach pain (7+ on a scale of 1 to 10)
• Problems breathing
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Broken bone(s)
• Deep cut(s)
• Car accident
• Head injury
• Physical collapse
• Any type of severe pain

For Children:

• High fever
• Babies who have not been feeding well
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Inactivity, compared to usual activity levels

WHAT ABOUT MINOR PROBLEMS?

There are several options available to ensure that you not only save time, but also get the care you need:

• Call your family doctor;
• Visit a local After Hours Clinic.