CORNWALL, Ontario – In a press release to the media on Friday, the Cornwall Community Hospital announced that they were currently sitting at 138 percent capacity.
The hospital cited an increase in Emergency Room visits, doctor’s offices being closed for the holidays and the Cornwall area being hit hard by gastroenteritis, influenza and pneumonia.
The hospital said that patients are still being accepted despite the overflow.
"To accommodate this overflow, patients are being admitted to the hallway, in off service units, others are being transferred and as a last resort, some surgeries may be postponed," the CCH press release reads.
The hospital is recommending the following steps to the public to help deal with the increased patient intake.
– Avoid visiting loved ones in the hospital if feeling unwell.
– Keep the Emergency Department for true emergencies. Symptoms of the flu or gastro are manageable at home with plenty of rest, liquid and over the counter medication. (Unless complications arise or symptoms are severe.)
– Respecting other patients who require the bed by ensuring timely transportation when patients are discharged.
The acute care wing of the hospital has been at over 100 percent capacity for over six weeks with extra beds opening daily. This week the acute care wing reached its peak with 50 additional beds added.
“The strain on our resources, both financial and human, is significant,” declares Jeanette Despatie Chief Executive Officer. “We are fortunate to have staff across the entire hospital working extra shifts and hours to ensure patient needs are met.”
