Pressures continue at Hamilton Health Sciences McMaster Children’s Hospital

Staffing and capacity pressures are ongoing at children’s hospitals across the province – including at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH).

We are seeing an unusually high seasonal surge in viral illnesses in the MCH emergency department and are concerned about hospital capacity now and during the coming months. MCH has frequently been over 100% occupancy during the past year of the pandemic.

Unfortunately, this means that patients and families will have to wait longer for care or their care may be delayed.

Thanks to our staff and physicians, we have been able accommodate more patients, but are concerned that the additional hours and effort provided by our teams will not be sustainable if we see a major spike in illness.

We appreciate the patience and understanding of families and the community during this challenging time.

It’s important that everyone, including children, get a flu shot and to stay up to date with COVID vaccines and boosters. If you have symptoms of flu or COVID you should also stay home, regardless of rapid test results, to reduce spread of viruses.

Please know your healthcare options and call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Patients who seek care in our EDs will be triaged and prioritized based on the severity of their conditions.

For more information on ED waits at our sites, please visit https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/share/5-ed-wait-reasons/.