Hospital urges people to get vaccinated against influenza and be kind towards healthcare workers this holiday season.
Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH) continues to manage a moderate surge of patients suffering from respiratory illness this virus season, primarily influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and some COVID-19.
CCH is seeing more instances of younger children visiting the Emergency Department with symptoms of respiratory illness and being admitted with influenza or RSV.
Although CCH continues to see high patient volumes, there have been no service disruptions and the hospital has implemented various mitigation measures to address the surge, including action plans for paediatric patients arriving with symptoms of respiratory illness, and additional beds allocated specifically for paediatric patients.
As we enter the holiday season and spend more time with children, family, and friends, CCH would like to remind local families of the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza, especially this year due to the surge of infections.
“Children, adults 65 years and older, and people living with certain chronic conditions are at increased risk of suffering from serious flu complications; and for many, the flu can be more dangerous than the common cold. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others against flu and will help keep patients out of hospital,” explains Dr. Anastasios Boubalos, Chief of Staff at Cornwall Hospital. “Seeing as flu season typically peaks in February and can continue into the spring, it is not too late to get your flu shot, and there is no better time than before the holidays,” adds Dr. Boubalos.
CCH would also like to remind the community that its Emergency Department has been extremely busy during this virus season. Please remember that patients are triaged based on the severity of their symptoms and the sickest patients are always seen first. We understand this may seem frustrating for those who have been waiting a long time for care, but the Emergency Department prioritizes life saving and urgent procedures. The hospital is devoted to ensuring that all patients will be seen by a physician, but there may be a wait time depending on the urgency.
“Many of our committed healthcare workers will be delivering care to our community over the holidays. We would ask that if you visit the hospital, including our Emergency Department, that you please be understanding, patient, kind and respectful with our staff and physicians,” urges Jeanette Despatie, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornwall Hospital. “On behalf of CCH, I wish everyone in our community a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a safe and healthy New Year,” adds Despatie.
You can find your nearest flu vaccine clinic by visiting www.eohu.ca. More information on the Emergency Department at Cornwall Hospital can be found at www.cornwallhospital.ca/en/emergency.
