Avoid Lengthy Emergency Room Waits Over the Holidays

The holidays are an incredibly busy time of year, add in the nuisance of dealing with an injury or illness over the break and Christmas becomes downright stressful. Doctors' offices and pharmacies are often closed or have reduced hours over the holidays, resulting in an increased number of patients seeking care in the emergency room.

In light of the holiday season, there are some alternatives to the long waits of emergency care that will help you save your sanity and your time.

For confidential health information and non-emergency services, call Health Link B.C. at 8-1-1. If you're deaf or hearing impaired, call 7-1-1. This helpline runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you're concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control at 1-800-567-8911.

The best possible way to ensure that you and your family are prepared for the Christmas season, is to plan ahead. For non-urgent care during office hours, call to check if your family doctor will see you before the holidays. Walk-in clinics are also a possibility, given adequate time.

In addition, it's a good idea to know your local pharmacy or drug store holiday hours, and ensure that your prescriptions are up to date and filled prior to the holidays.

Emergency rooms are designed to help patients who have health concerns that require immediate attention. Reasons to seek assistance via emergency care would include, chest pain—tightness or discomfort; shortness of breath, internal bleeding, fainting or broken bones.

In most cases, your family doctor is the most appropriate person to see if you are not feeling well.

Anyone who needs urgent medical attention should immediately go to the emergency department or call 9-1-1.

To find a clinic or other health resource nearest you, visit the Health Link website.

You can also download the B.C. Health Service locator App.