Temporary closure of HHS West End Urgent Care Clinic

Effective Monday, January 17 at 10 p.m., the HHS West End Urgent Care Clinic will be closing temporarily for up to eight weeks.

This measure will support the deployment of five emergency-trained physicians, 10 nurses, and several other staff (clerks, environmental aides, etc.) to emergency departments (EDs) and other high priority areas across our hospital.

“Our urgent care team members have a unique set of skills that are urgently needed at our hospital sites and we are grateful for this support,” says Dr. Kuldeep Sidhu, chief of emergency medicine. “We are doing everything possible to address staffing shortages and maintain essential services in our community and our region. While we are seeing less patients requiring critical care as in previous waves, there are more patients requiring admission to our acute wards. At the same time, staffing shortages are at record highs.”

We are currently caring for 213 patients who are positive with COVID-19, with 24 in the ICU, and there are currently 634 staff and physicians in self-isolation.

The closure is temporary and anticipated for up to eight weeks with an aim to re-open as soon as possible.

We are grateful to everyone at HHS for their tireless efforts to care for our patients and each other. We’re also appreciative of the understanding of our community, patients and their families.

OPTIONS FOR CARE

There are a number of healthcare options available in our community. Individuals with conditions that do not require immediate attention should first contact their family doctor.

Please visit Needadoc.ca for information about your healthcare options. The website also includes up-to-date information about COVID testing, vaccinations and care. Notably, those with mild COVID symptoms are encouraged to isolate at home, and those with moderate symptoms can access urgent care by virtual appointment.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

The assessment centre remains open.