Northern Health is urging caution as emergency rooms across BC brace for an influx of patients.
“If you’re not sure if it’s an emergency or not, 8-1-1 is a good resource to call,” says Northern Health’s Jonathon Dyck. “They can provide you with advice on what might be the best course of action for you, whether it’s a pharmacy, the E-R, or even a walk-in clinic.”
While slips and trips on icy surfaces account for a good chunk of hospital visits this time of year, colds are still keeping people out of action.
It’s not too late to get a flu shot, and a pharmacy is a better bet than triage.
“They look at the priority of patients, and it’s given to the ones that need the most urgent care. It’s not a first-come, first-serve basis.”
There are many resources available for people in discomfort, including HealthLink BC, the Community Response Unit, and Poison Control.
That said, Dyck urges people to visit ER, or call 911, if they believe they need urgent medical attention.
The advice comes on the heels of the news that Chetwynd General Hospital has been forced to limit its hours until January 4th.