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Your health care options over the holidays

 ALLISTON – December 18, 2015 – No one wants to get sick or injured over the holidays, but if you do, it’s important to remember you have many health care options.

 While Stevenson Memorial Hospital’s (SMH) emergency department operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, a hospital visit is not always the most appropriate place for treatment. “Emergency departments can be busier during the holidays as many people believe it’s their only option for medical attention,” says Dr. Rakesh Kumar, who is the Emergency Department Physician Lead for the Central Local Health Integration Network (CLHIN). “People who don’t require immediate emergency care have many other options and can avoid the emergency department completely.”

Stevenson Memorial will be observing the following clinic hours over the Holidays:

  • Outpatient Kidney Care Clinic will operate everyday with the exception of statutory holidays
  • Fracture clinic will be open for a full day on Tues Dec. 22 and will operate on a limited basis for Tues Dec 29, Thurs Dec 31st will operate on a limited/as needed basis
  • SMH Operating Rooms will be closed Dec 22-25, Dec 28 and Dec 31st  for non-emergent surgeries

Families in the Central LHIN region have a new online resource to help them easily identify their best option for non-urgent medical attention during the holiday season, such as urgent care centres and community clinics. Visit the non-emergency medical services page on centralhealthline.ca, the easy-to-use, searchable online directory of in-home and community-based services, managed by the Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). The non-emergency medical services page is updated regularly so it always reflects the most current information possible about what is open during this busy time of year.

“By exploring other options, people may avoid an emergency room visit completely or greatly improve their experience if they do need emergency care over the holidays,” says Dr. Kumar. “This means less time waiting for treatment and more time for family and friends.”

 NOTE: If you are in need of serious medical attention, such as chest pains or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.

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York Region Public Health\

 

The Central LHIN plans, integrates and funds the local health system in sections of north Toronto and Etobicoke, most of York Region and South Simcoe County. Our health service providers and other partners such as municipalities are working together across the system to bring a better patient experience to where you live.