Health Care over the Holidays

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The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can often mean forgetting our day-to-day health needs. Has that prescription been refilled in preparation for holiday travel? Are there plenty of batteries on hand for home healthcare equipment? Is the emergency kit in the car stocked up?

Often, not being prepared can result in a trip to the hospital Emergency Department, always busy places, but more so during the Christmas season, says Maria Vuono, Health Program Director, Emergency Program for the Niagara Health System. "On average, our large Emergency Departments are seeing 130 to 140 patients every day and waiting times can be lengthy for those with minor illnesses or injuries."

In St. Catharines, patients with minor illnesses are going to the new Prompt Care Centre at the NHS's Ontario Street Site (formerly Hotel Dieu Hospital), thereby permitting staff at St. Catharines General's Emergency Department to care for emergency patients. "We have done a great deal of communication to get the message out that the Prompt Care Centre is the right location for minor illnesses such as fever, cough, sore throats, ear aches, strains/sprains, and simple lacerations and broken bones that cannot be dealt with at the family doctor's office with a scheduled appointment."

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether a health problem is serious or not. Here are a few examples of when to go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.

  • When experiencing chest pains or tightness in the chest
  • When experiencing severe pain
  • When experiencing shortness of breath
  • When a person is choking or having difficulty breathing
  • When a person may have fractured or broken a bone or have a wound that may need stitches
  • When experiencing sudden, severe headaches, vision problems, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, dizziness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg
  • If a child has diarrhea and vomiting and won't eat or drink
  • When a baby under 6 months has a fever over 38.5°C or 101°F

If residents need advice, consult with the family physician or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

How You Can Help

  • Have an up-to-date Ontario Health Card when coming to a Hospital Emergency Department.
  • Bring a list of all medications being taken on a regular basis along with any other important information like allergies.
  • While waiting for treatment, please do not eat or drink without first checking with a nurse.
  • If patients decide to leave the Hospital before being seen by a doctor, please talk with a nurse.

Rapid Response Program for Seniors

Not everyone who comes to the Emergency Department needs to be admitted to hospital. Case Managers within the Emergency Department can help seniors with placement in a Retirement Home setting for respite or convalescent care, through a program called Rapid Response. "Many times, an elderly patient has suffered a hip or arm fracture, and the doctor says they're well enough to go home, if there is family support available," says Patty Welychka, Health Program Director Transitional Care and Utilization Management. "If that senior lives alone, Rapid Response can help by connecting with Retirement Homes in Niagara to arrange placement for temporary convalescent care. Rapid Response Program is a seniors' accommodation hotline which can be reached at 905-708-8845 and is a seven-day a week, 24 hour service. This could be for convalescent care of a few days or longer, depending on the patient's needs."

Be Prepared for the Holidays

Avoid health problems and illness by being prepared. Here is a checklist to consider:

  • Call the doctor's office and local pharmacy. Find out what their hours will be over the holidays and ask about any back-up coverage arrangements.
  • Get a flu shot. Family doctors can offer this service or refer patients to the nearest clinic that does.
  • Check Medications and Medical Equipment. Make sure that all family members have enough of their medications, both prescription and non-prescription, to last over the holiday season. Don't forget needles, alcohol swabs, etc. Also check out inhalers, respirators, oxygen, and glucose testing machines.
  • Extra Batteries. Have extra batteries on hand for equipment such as electric wheelchairs.
  • Medical Checkups. If a checkup or tests are required, try to schedule them before the holidays.
  • Update all emergency telephone numbers and post them in a visible place (eg. refrigerator).

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