Surge in flu season sufferers increasing wait times at RVH ER

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie is dealing with unprecedented patient volumes, with occupancy levels far exceeding capacity.

According to Leanne Weeks, RVH clinical and chief nursing executive vice president, the hospital's medicine units were at 134 per cent occupancy on Thursday.

"Typically, on a regular day, we'd see around 250 patients in the emergency department," said Weeks. "We're now seeing upwards of 350 patients per day."

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Emergency department wait times have stretched beyond eight hours, while other areas of the hospital are also feeling the strain.

RVH has converted general spaces, such as its auditorium, into temporary clinics to accommodate the influx.

Staff able to work from home have been encouraged to do so due to parking challenges, and hospital officials are urging patients with non-urgent needs to seek alternative care options.

“Not just acute care is pressurized, but we’re seeing a lot of pressure in the long-term care, retirement homes, [and] patients waiting for that type of care as well,” Weeks added.

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is also operating under surge protocols but has not released specific wait time estimates.

Flu Season Worsening the Pressure

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) reports that influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are circulating at elevated levels, mirroring trends across Ontario and Canada.

Dr. Andrew Lam, a public health resident physician with SMDHU, noted an increase in respiratory illnesses.

“We are noticing that influenza is high, RSV is expected to be high at this time, but what we’re anticipating is an increase in cases—more so than what we’re currently having with influenza as well,” said Lam.

The combination of these viruses is putting additional strain on hospitals, Lam explained, impacting not only patients but also their families and the wider community.

“It can create quite a strain on our health care system,” he said. “The best way for [individuals] to help prevent serious illness and hospitalization for themselves is to get vaccinated and [practice] lots of good hand hygiene.”

Resources Available

RVH offers online tools for patients to pre-triage and book appointment times in advance. While flu season typically peaks during the winter months, the health unit expects heightened activity to continue into early spring.