High demand at hospitals, caused in part by a surge in flu and flu-like illnesses, has Island Health officials asking the public to think about whether they really need to use emergency rooms.
Health officials have issued a reminder that some cases can just as well be treated at a walk-in clinic or through a visit to a family doctor. Talking to your doctor or calling HealthLink B.C. at 811 can help you decide whether a trip to emergency is required, said Island Health spokeswoman Kellie Hudson.
She said some people use the emergency department for such things as prescription refills, which should be avoided.
Still, do not hesitate to go to emergency when you feel you need immediate care, Hudson said.
“If you are sick our hospitals are open,” Hudson said. “We really want to stress that if you are sick our emergency departments are able to give you care.
“We do not turn anyone away.”
Flu and flu-like illnesses are the primary reasons behind the increased patient load of late, she said. As of Tuesday, the number of people diagnosed with flu and admitted to hospital since Sept. 1 had jumped to 181, with 66 still receiving hospital care.
“There’s definitely been elevated activity,” Hudson said.
The number of people with flu who have died at Island Health facilities has increased to five from four earlier in the week, although flu might not be the cause of death.
Lack of hospital beds due to demand at Island hospitals caused 13 surgery postponements last week, and has led to placement of patients in overflow areas. In extremely busy times, that can mean placing beds in hallways, Hudson said.
She said waits at emergency departments should be expected “because there’s so many people, and people are treated on an urgency basis.
“It’s a really busy time and our staff are working hard trying to provide really good care.”
People are still urged to get flu shots, she said.
Frequent handwashing and staying home when sick are also important measures to take to prevent the spread of illness, Hudson said.
