PRHC expects to get busy with onset of flu season

Peterborough's health-care providers are reminding area residents to guard against influenza by getting a flu shot.

The shot is free and available at many locations. Visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/flu. Peterborough Public Health has flu shot appointments for children under five years old by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 349.

Peterborough Family Health Team (PFHT), Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and Peterborough Public Health stated Thursday that the hospital is seeing more patients this year, with more than 87,000 visits compared to 83,000 the year before.

PRHC has hired 52 registered nurses and 52 registered practical nurses over the past year, and 24 new inpatient beds were opened last year.

The hospital asks that patients assess the urgency of their illness before going to the emergency department, which will get busier as flu season gets underway.

PRHC’s Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic will continue to offer extended after-hours care through the month of December for children with urgent but non-lifethreatening injuries or illnesses. For more information and clinic hours, visit www.prhc.on.ca/ cms/pop-urgent-care. PRHC urges families to take children to their family physician if possible.

Meanwhile the Peterborough Family Health Team launched new clinics for people without doctors: The Peterborough Virtual Care Clinic in Peterborough and PFHT Clinic in Lakefield.

Unattached patients who visit the clinics will be placed on a wait list for a new family doctor. Patients with a family doctor can access same-day appointments and the Extended Hours Service. For details, visit www.peterboroughfht.com.

Patients should talk to their family doctor or nurse practitioner or call Telehealth Ontario (24 hours) at 1-866-797-0000. Patients who are at risk of complications should seek medical advice.Flu shots are recommended for everyone over six months.