(November 13, 2009) Saskatoon – Emergency Departments are experiencing increased pressure due to the number of people visiting with influenza-like illness. To alleviate this, Saskatoon Health Region is piloting an Influenza Assessment Centre to provide timely service.
The Influenza Assessment Centre will be located at St. Paul’s Hospital and will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Services will be provided by a nurse practitioner and registered nurse. An influenza-like illness screening tool has been developed and clients will be triaged according to the severity of their symptoms.
“Mild influenza-like illness does not usually require medical care – most people recover after approximately one week. If you or your child experiences fever, chills, headache and muscle aches, cough, sore throat, or a runny nose, you may have a mild case of influenza. Treat yourself at home as much as possible to ensure health-care resources are available for those who need it most. Stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and wash your hands frequently,” said Dr. James Stempien, department head Emergency Services. “If you need medical care, please call or visit your family physician or a walk-in clinic or visit the Influenza Assessment Centre. Emergency Departments are always available for people with risk factors or severe illness.”
“We have a triage plan for people experiencing mild, moderate and severe influenza-like illness. This will help reduce viral infection spread in waiting rooms, fast track services for those with influenza-like illness so they can be assessed and treated as quickly as possible. This will help take pressure off Emergency Departments,” said Leanne Smith, director Ambulatory Care Planning.
Adults are encouraged to visit the Influenza Assessment Centre at St. Paul’s Hospital. Children with severe influenza-like symptoms should continue to visit Royal University Hospital Emergency Department. There are signs located at all three acute care hospitals advising people where they should go to receive care for influenza-like illness.
If successful, the pilot may be extended into next week until pressures on Emergency Departments have been reduced.
Last November, the City’s three Emergency Departments were seeing an average of 300 people per day. This November, Emergency Departments are seeing an average of 400 people per day.
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For more information contact:
Linda Walker
Corporate and Public Affairs Adviser
Saskatoon Health Region
306-655-3328
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Saskatoon Health Region
“Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service.”
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