Shopping malls and hospitals – two places guaranteed to be busy over the holidays.
But, just like shopping online, there are options when it comes to healthcare during the winter months. There are many community-based care options for patients who don’t require emergency or urgent care.
Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, Niagara Region Public Health, Niagara Health and Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Community Care Access Centre are working together to help the public better understand the most appropriate healthcare options if they require medical attention for the flu or other illnesses.
The public is encouraged to visit their family doctor or nurse practitioner if they don’t require emergency or urgent care. Other options include the nearest walk-in clinic, Healthcare Options Ontario (www.ontario.ca/healthcareoptions), Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) or 211.
Anyone in need of emergency medical care should call 9-1-1 or go to their nearest Emergency Department.
Stay healthy over the holidays by preventing the spread of the flu. Symptoms of the flu, which is a respiratory illness, include fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, headache, chills, sore throat, stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing. Some people can become very ill depending on their health and other factors, possibly developing complications that require hospitalization. To prevent the flu, get the flu shot, wash your hands, cover your cough or sneeze, stay home from school and work when sick, avoid shaking hands and close contact with people who are sick and don’t visit individuals in hospitals or healthcare settings.
For information about general healthcare options: www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/services
For Niagara Health Emergency and Urgent Care wait times: www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/waiting-times
For information about the flu: www.niagararegion.ca/health/
QUOTES:
“Knowing how to prevent the spread of common illness is the best defense against the flu. It’s important for both patients and their caregivers at home and in the community to take steps toward flu prevention including proper hand hygiene, a healthy diet and regular physical activity.” Dilys Haughton – VP Patient Care, Chief Professional Practice HNHB CCAC
“Hotel Dieu Shaver is committed to improving the patient and family experience through enhanced patient coordination with other healthcare providers. This partnership is our commitment to ensure the Niagara community is getting the right care, at the right time, in the right place.” David Ceglie, VP Clinical Operations, Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
“Hospitals are always busy over the holidays and winter months, and this initiative will play a key role in ensuring people in the community know their options in order to get the right level of care. We are pleased to once again be working with our partners to improve the patient experience and access to care.” Derek McNally, Executive Vice President, Clinical Services, Niagara Health
“To prevent getting sick this winter, Public Health encourages residents to get the flu shot, to wash hands regularly, and to cover mouths when coughing and sneezing. When illness does strike, we can reduce its spread by staying home from school or work, and not visiting friends or family in the hospital or long-term care homes.” Dr. M. Mustafa Hirji, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Niagara Region Public Health
Please join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #KnowYourOptions
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION
Niagara Health
@niagarahealth
Steven Gallagher, Communications Specialist
905-378-4647, ext. 43879
steven.gallagher@niagarahealth.on.ca
Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre
@hoteldieushaver
Mary Jane Johnson, Director, Communications
905-685-1381, ext. 84826
maryjane.johnson@hoteldieushaver.org
Niagara Region Public Health
@nrpublichealth
Meredith Maxwell , Communications Consultant
905-688-8248, ext. 7476
meredith.maxwell@niagararegion.ca
Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Community Care Access Centre
@hnhbccac
Mary Siegner, Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
905-633-3880
mary.siegner@hnhb.ccac-ont.ca
