With the first cases of seasonal influenza now confirmed in our community, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), Peterborough Public Health and the Peterborough Family Health Team are working together to prepare for an expected increase in patient volumes in the coming weeks.
For the second year in a row, PRHC will open an additional 24 inpatient beds from December 2016 through to March 2017 to enhance patient care during the hospital’s busiest time of year.
If you or a family member get the flu or another sudden or urgent illness, you can go to the PRHC’s Emergency Department (ED) for assessment and treatment.
However, the Peterborough Family Health Team encourages residents to consider other options before visiting the ED, such as family practitioners at clinics in the city and county who are offering same day appointments and extended-hours clinics.
“As usual at this time of year, we ask the people of our community to assess the urgency of their illness before deciding whether to seek care with their family practitioner, a community clinic, or the Emergency Department,” says Dr. Mark Troughton, Chief and Medical Director of the ED at PRHC. “We also ask for your patience if it takes longer than usual for a physician to see you due to an increase in the number patients coming through the department.”
If you do decide to go to the Emergency Department, please wear a mask if you’re coughing and sneezing to protect others from potential flu exposure. Masks are available inside the Emergency Department entrance at PRHC.
“Visitors to the ED are encouraged to wear a mask if they have any flu symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain or headache, in order to protect others from potential exposure to the virus,” Dr. Troughton says
For children under the age of 18 with urgent but non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses, PRHC also offers a Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic. The clinic, led by nurse practitioners and supported by pediatricians, will offer extended after-hours care throughout the month of December. For more information and clinic hours, visit www.prhc.on.ca/cms/pop-urgent-care.
If you find yourself in a medical situation that doesn’t require urgent care, consider the following options:
- Call your family doctor or nurse practitioner — clinic information will be offered via the office voice mail message
- Visit www.peterboroughfht.com for clinic hours and information
- Speak to a registered nurse by calling Telehealth Ontario (24 hours) at 1-866-797-0000.
When it comes to preventing the flu, Peterborough Public Health reminds residents that getting immunized with a flu shot is the best defence.
“As influenza circulates in the Peterborough community, the flu shot may help keep you well over the holidays,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “It also prevents you from spreading it to people who are at the greatest risk of getting seriously ill if they get the flu: seniors and young children.”
The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age. Dr. Salvaterra also advises residents to avoid delaying getting the flu shot, because it takes two weeks to become effective — so sooner is better to reduce the chance of falling ill over the holiday season.
The flu shot is free and widely available at many local pharmacies, doctors’ offices and walk-in clinics. Residents can easily find out where the flu shot is available by visiting the Flu Clinic Locator at www.ontario.ca/flu. Peterborough Public Health also offers flu shot appointments for patients without a family physician. Call 705-743-1000 ext. 349 to make an appointment.
