How to avoid a holiday hospital visit and what to do if you can’t avoid it

KITCHENER — Kitchener’s two hospitals advise residents to be prepared to avoid an emergency visit over the holidays when wait times often spike.

Holiday emergency department visits normally climb by up to 15 per cent at Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital, which can lead to longerthan-usual waits for patients who don’t require immediate care.

By being prepared, people may avoid an emergency visit entirely or greatly improve their experience if care is needed over the holidays. Hospitals offer these tips:

Practise good hand hygiene — the single most effective method to avoid becoming sick.

Ensure everyone has enough medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, to get through the holidays.

Make sure all medical equipment, including inhalers, respirators, glucometers and diabetic supplies, is in good working order.

Ask your doctor’s office about holiday hours and options when the office is closed.

Find locations and hours for local walk-in clinics, along with the nearest 24-hour pharmacy.

Not all emergency visits are avoidable. If it’s necessary, remember to bring your OHIP card or other medical insurance information, current medication list, and supplies if bringing a child.

Someone with a new or worse cough or shortness of breath should put on a mask and use hand sanitizer when arriving in the department. Tell the receptionist or nurse right away if you’re feeling feverish. Bring only essential visitors with you.