Bluewater Health is warning residents of longer wait times over the holiday season.
In past years, the hospital saw a surge in patients in their emergency departments between Christmas and New Year's, since many doctors offices and community care providers close for the holidays.
Director of Performance and Transformation/Patient Flow Lisa Regan says last year, they served up to 300 patients per day, an increase of 40 per cent from normal volumes.
She says the emergency department is particularly busy.
Regan says patients should be aware of their physician's office hours during the holiday season, renew any medications ahead of time, and leave non-urgent matters for when their physician's office reopens.
The hospital's bed management policy and full hospital protocol will also help manage patient flow and timely access to care.