The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team, in collaboration with local healthcare partners, has implemented strategies to prepare for an anticipated rise in respiratory illness and patient volumes this holiday season.
“As the rate of respiratory illness continues to climb in the community, local healthcare partners are coming together to ensure residents have sufficient access to care during the upcoming holiday season,” says Nadine Neve, Executive Lead, Sarnia-Lambton OHT. “We all have a shared goal of taking some pressure off of the already strained hospital and avoid unnecessary trips to local emergency departments.”
With Flu, RSV and COVID-19 amongst other illnesses circulating in the community, the Sarnia-Lambton OHT and partners are reminding residents of their local healthcare options.
“Patients are encouraged to reach out to their primary care provider prior to the holiday season to find out what their office hours will look like,” says Dr. Vid Singh, Clinical Co-Design Lead for Primary Care, Sarnia-Lambton OHT. “Primary Care offices may be closed, however, there are several options that people can look into to find care should the need arise while avoiding the emergency room unless they are experiencing a true emergency.”
Holiday Healthcare Preparation
1. Call your primary care provider first! Your family doctor or nurse practitioner are your best care providers for non-emergencies including respiratory illness or UTI. They know your history, medications and are your best place for consistent healthcare.
2. Refill prescriptions before the holidays. If you run out during the holidays, contact your pharmacist to see if they can refill your prescription until you can see your primary care provider. Pharmacists are also able to provide assessments and prescriptions for some minor ailments. Click here for a full listing. Check with your local pharmacy to learn more about their offerings.
3. Find the holiday hours of your primary care provider and local walk-in clinics. You can call Rapids Family Health Team Access to Care at 519-491-6188, or Rural Access to Care at 519-704-5003 for a same-day or next day appointment.
4. Get vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you. Connect with your primary care provider, pharmacist or visit GetTheVaccine.ca to learn more and book an appointment.
5. COVID-19 testing is available for eligible individuals. Click here for testing locations and to find out if you meet the requirements. Alternatively, to access COVID-19 rapid tests, please contact your local pharmacy.
6. The RSV prevention program has now expanded. All infants and children up to 24 months old who are at high risk of severe illness from RSV are eligible to be immunized. For more information, see the Ministry of Health’s Infant and High-Risk Children RSV Prevention Program.
7. Proactively reach out to agencies or organizations you regularly associate with (example: Canadian Mental Health Association, Alzheimer’s Society, etc.) to see what services are available during the holidays should you need them.
8. Are you a caregiver? Respite care, which is short-term accommodation and temporary relief for those who are caring for a family member or loved one, may be available if needed. Call Ontario Health atHome at 1-888-447-4468.
9. Health 811 is a free, confidential service that provides health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-797-0007.
10. To speak with someone to get connected to supports and services, call the Family Counseling Centre’s Community Navigators at 519-336-3000 or visit: agefriendlysarnialambton.ca.
11. For some, the holidays can bring an increased need for mental health supports, and a number of local organizations can help. Listing can be found here: Mental Health & Addictions – Age Friendly Sarnia – www.agefriendlysarnialambton.ca
12. Virtual Urgent Care is available for both adults and pediatrics and is covered by OHIP. Access urgent care virtually through Urgent Care Ontario – www.urgentcareontario.ca
The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team extends warm wishes to the Sarnia-Lambton community for a healthy, safe and happy holiday season.
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