TIMMINS - With respiratory outbreaks at the hospital and the holidays on the way, tips are being shared on how to avoid a visit to the emergency room.
“The holidays can be a challenging time of year, with more social gatherings for some, and pressures related to those. For other people, it can be a time when they feel more isolated and alone," said Dr. Doug Arnold, Timmins and District Hospital chief of staff, in a news release.
Today, the hospital reported two respiratory outbreaks in separate units. People who are not feeling well are being asked to not visit the hospital unless it's to go to the emergency department.
To avoid getting sick or injured, the facility recommends people get vaccinated, wash their hands regularly, stay home if they're sick, and limit alcohol consumption.
“For critical or life-threatening illnesses or injuries always call 911 or visit the nearest the emergency department. For instance, if you have shortness of breath, severe chest pain, broken bones, or stroke symptoms,” said Arnold. “But if you are looking to get your prescriptions refilled or have minor ailments, you have other options.”
If you need to go to the emergency department, the wait times are available online here.
The following are other tips the hospital is offering for the holidays:
Protect others:
- Wear a mask if you’re not feeling well and follow public health guidance.
- Stay home while you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, and sore throat.
- Stay home for 24 hours after illness including gastrointestinal symptoms.
Alternatives to the Emergency Department:
- For non-life-threatening health concerns:
- Get connected with a registered nurse day or night for free by calling or texting 811 (formerly Telehealth Ontario). More information, including a live chat feature can be found here: https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/home
- For urgent medication refill: Call your primary care provider or pharmacist to provide an emergency refill of your prescription.
- Find other services in the Cochrane District by using North East Healthline.
- Mental Health Help
- For help with a mental health crisis: Contact TADH’s Crisis Line at 705-264-3003 (available 24/7).
- Northeastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) Crisis services for youth and families who are risk of harm resulting from suicidal ideation, self-injurious behaviors or homicidal ideation. Call 705-360-7100 (available 24/7).
- The Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by calling 686868 or texting CONNECT to 686868.
- The Suicide Crisis Helpline can be called or texted at 988 (available 24/7) for trauma-informed and culturally informed support for anyone thinking of suicide, or who is worried about someone they know.
- For First Nations Inuit and Métis Peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services, call Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free). This service is available 24/7 and is offered in English, French and by request in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.
- For community and social services such as housing, food, employment, financial assistance, caregiver support and family services:
- Call 211. This service is available 24/7
- For home and community care support services:
- To refer yourself or others for home care services, call Ontario Health at Home at 310-2222 (no area coded needed).
