Two flu clinics open to ease ER overcrowding

The West Island health network is opening two winter clinics this month to help deal with the spike of flu and cold cases.

As of Jan. 21, anyone suffering from flu symptoms is asked to go to the winter clinic at the Brunswick Super-Clinic and Family Medicine Group, located at 955 St-Jean Blvd., in Pointe-Claire.

The winter clinic in PointeClaire is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The clinic phone number is 514-426-6677.

Another winter clinic will open Jan. 28 at the Mednam Super-clinic and Family Medicine Group in Lachine. The clinic in Lachine is also open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The clinic is located at 2000 Notre-Dame St., 3rd floor. The telephone number is 514-780-1873.

Many hospitals in Montreal, including the Lakeshore General Hospital in Pointe-Claire, have been dealing with overcrowded emergency rooms this winter.

The CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Îlede-Montréal said it is opening two winter clinics as alternatives to those people thinking of heading to the local hospital emergency room.

“In case of the flu, gastroenteritis, or other winter infections that require medical attention, citizens are advised to visit these winter clinics rather than the Emergency Room,” the health network said in a statement.

“The goal is to provide users with easier and more prompt access to medical care should their symptoms or the state of their health worsen.”

To learn more about the flu, colds and gastro, visit the Quebec health website.