A shortage of staff and an increase in the number of people going to the emergency department for care are leading to longer wait times at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
The staffing shortage comes as more doctors and nurses retire or leave the healthcare profession because of COVID-19 burnout.
"Staffing challenges, inpatient overcapacity, and a very busy emergency department is resulting in higher than average wait times for patients visiting the emergency department,” said Hospital President and CEO Karen Davies. “It poses challenges for those who require immediate, emergent care.”
The hospital is working to come up with "broader system solutions" to ensure programs and services are provided in a manner that reflects the staffing realities now and into the future. However, heading into the summer when there is typically an increase in trauma cases, hospital officials state it is becoming increasingly difficult to staff all programs and services.
It is a problem that is plaguing all hospitals across southwestern Ontario.
The number of unfilled healthcare positions increased by 91 per cent in 2021 when compared to the previous year. In a survey by the Ontario Hospital Association, healthcare workers cited stress and burnout from caring for patients during the pandemic as the main reason for leaving their roles.
In an effort to alleviate some of the pressure on the system, Davies is asking people to consider whether their medical issue is urgent enough to warrant a visit to the emergency department.
"We are not discouraging anyone from seeking care,” added Davies. “Please consider if your needs are potentially addressed through other health system supports available to you first, such as your primary care provider’s office, walk-in clinic, or Health Connect Ontario (formerly Telehealth Ontario).”