WATERLOO – The Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), hospitals, public health, emergency medical services, physicians and other health service providers are working together to ensure everyone knows their health care options if they need to access services between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
If you or a family member need non-emergency health care, your first option should always be to contact your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
If you do not have access to a family doctor, another option for non-emergencies is to attend a walk-in or urgent care clinic. You can find a clinic near you at www.wwhealthline.ca.
Call before you go to confirm there are still appointments available.
The emergency department is the best option for anyone requiring treatment for severe illnesses and life-threatening injuries. The most critical patients are seen first so plan to wait to get the care you need.
“We are committed to making it easier for everyone to get the care they need during the holidays,” said Dr. Kunuk Rhee, vice president clinical for the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network.
There are several other health care services available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
– Telehealth Ontario: Call 866-797-0000 for confidential advice from a registered nurse;
– Ontario 211: Call 2-1-1 for connections to community and social services (available in over 150 languages); and
– Here 24/7: Call 844-437-4246 for mental health counseling, appointments and information about services.
For anyone looking to have the healthiest holiday season possible, health care providers highly recommend getting the flu shot from your family doctor, public health or a local pharmacy.
