Woodstock Hospital warns potential patients of ED delays

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Woodstock Hospital shared a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 2, to let the public know that they may experience longer than usual wait times in its Emergency Department (ED). What they wouldn’t say is why.

It was posted on the hospital’s website and X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.

“Those arriving at our Emergency Department today (December 2) may experience longer than normal wait times. Your safety is our top priority. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please proceed to your nearest Emergency Department or call 911. If you are not experiencing a medical emergency, please consider an alternate care option, such as:

• Your family doctor or nurse practitioner

• Walk-in clinics or urgent care clinics

• Health-related advice is available from a registered nurse 24/7, by calling Health 811 (formerly TeleHealth Ontario) at 1-866-797-0000

For more information about our Emergency Department and alternate urgent care options, click here: https://www.woodstockhospital.ca/emergency-department/

We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time,” read the post.

The Facebook post garnered nearly 200 comments from readers and a few clarification posts from the hospital. It appears this is the first time the hospital has made a post about potential delays at its emergency department. The facility has among the lowest ED wait times in the province.

The Echo asked the hospital the reason behind the post and other specific questions, but instead received a statement from Chelsea Fagan, Communications and Public Relations Officer.

“We included a link to our Emergency Department webpage so residents can access additional resources and information on alternate care options such as walk-in clinics and Health811. Emergency Department wait times fluctuate based on several factors, including patient volumes, acuity, and available resources. We use our social media channels and website to keep our community informed about our programs and services.”

We followed up with a question about whether the delay situation was ongoing on Dec. 3 but did not receive an answer by press time.