Wait times may be longer at the West Nipissing General Hospital.
Administration explained that come Monday, January 6th, the Emergency Department will be relocated to the hospital’s operating room. Why? It’s part of the hospital’s work to renovate the building’s sprinkler system.
The change of location may increase wait times, the hospital noted in a statement. BayToday reached out to learn more about the anticipated wait times, but did not hear back in time for publication.
Also note that help will be available at the Main hospital entrance to direct people to the emergency room, if need be.
Yesterday, the hospital issued a release regarding the longer wait times. The release noted, “As the West Nipissing General Hospital is currently experiencing a high volume of patients in the Emergency Department, we kindly ask that patients coming into the emergency department be patient and kind.”
Further, “It is recommended that you go to your primary care provider if possible.”
The Emergency Department will return to its usual spot in early or mid-March. The administration reminds all that this temporary move will not affect emergency services.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
