Tips to avoid the ER over the holidays
Posted Dec 25, 2015 07:07:21 AM.
Last Updated Dec 25, 2015 07:09:48 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Local hospitals are hoping to not see you over the holidays and are out with tips on how to stay safe and out of their emergency room.
Last year St. Mary’s and Grand River saw as 12 to 15 per cent increase in ER visits over the holidays.
Michelle Flannigan is a nurse practitioner at Grand River Hospital and explains to 570 News how to prepared heading into the holiday season.
“Have medications refilled and up to date. Also check with your general practitioner as far as hours because hours are decrease at walk-in clinics and a lot of family doctors’ offices.”
Flannigan says practicing proper hand hygiene when you are spending time with family over the holidays is important because it is the most effective way to prevent spreading germs and getting sick.
Not all visits to the emergency room will be avoidable, and an increase of patients could lead to longer than usual wait times for non-urgent care. Flannigan says patients will be seen by a doctor based on the severity of their illness.
