A message for patients and families this respiratory season:
Hospitals across Ontario are seeing respiratory, COVID-19 and flu related hospitalizations increase rapidly with numbers expected to peak later this month and run into early April.
At the WNGH, we are seeing increases in the number of patients coming to our emergency department, which may mean longer wait times.
During the period of the Sprinkler Project renovations (January until early- to mid-March 2025), the Emergency Department will be relocated to the Operating Room. We have navigators at the main entrance to help patients and visitors get to the correct department. During this time, we ask that patients be patient.
If you are coming to the WNGH for care, please be kind to our teams. They are working very hard to provide the best care possible as quickly as they can. Your patience goes a long way.
For patients with non-urgent medical needs, there are other care options for you in the community, with your primary care provider being your first option.
Additionally, patients can access walk-in clinics where wait times are often shorter than the Emergency Department. A list of walk-in clinics for Sudbury can be found here: https://medimap.ca/Location/Sudbury
A list of walk-in clinics for North Bay can be found here: https://nbrhc.on.ca/patients-visitors/care-providers/community-resources/
Health 811 is a provincial service that will connect you with a registered nurse day or night for free, secure and confidential health advice. Visit https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/home or call 1-866-797-0007.
Pharmacies in Ontario can also treat a variety of common health issues such as pink eye, sprains and strains, and urinary tract infections with more information found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/pharmacies
We appreciate your patience, kindness, and understanding as we continue to provide care during this respiratory season.