It is that time of year when Scarborough Health Network (SHN) and other Ontario hospitals are managing significant patient volumes in emergency departments (ED), thanks to the seasonal increase in common viruses.
All SHN hospitals are safe places for anyone who needs emergency care. Our EDs remain open and our community has access to best-in-class inpatient beds, diagnostic tests, and ambulatory services. We encourage community members to consider alternate options if their needs are not an emergency.
Five ways to access non-emergency healthcare:
- Family doctors, urgent care, walk-in, or after-hours clinics
- SHN Kids After Hours Clinic for children that need direct access to a paediatrician to treat common medical issues
- Scarborough Ontario Health Team resource tools:
- Toronto Health and Social Services Directory where you may easily find health, social and community services across Toronto
- Health Connect Ontario to speak to a registered nurse at by dialing 811 or TTY: 1-866-797-0007
- Central East Healthline for other non-emergency medical care
We thank all of our employees and medical staff, who are working together with a profound sense of service to others and each other, for enabling SHN to continue delivering exceptional healthcare to our community, and we thank our patients for their patience and understanding during this challenging time.
Stay healthy throughout cold and flu season
There are effective and easy ways to increase your chances for staying healthy and (hopefully) avoiding the need for seasonal healthcare this winter. Start by reducing the spread of germs by cleaning your hands often with soap or hand sanitizer, and getting your flu and COVID-19 booster vaccine through your family doctor or local pharmacy. If you are able, bundling up to stay active and spend time outdoors, and eating well-balanced, nutritious meals, will also help maintain good health.
Have questions about vaccines, including RSV, flu, or COVID-19? Book a phone appointment with VaxFacts+ today to speak with a doctor.