RVH asks for patience and understanding during increased wait times in ED
July 15, 2021
Renfrew Victoria Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) has a very good track record with wait times running below the provincial average. Recently, times have increased, returning to pre-pandemic levels, and we are asking for the public’s patience and assistance.
“Reducing and managing wait times has always been a priority at RVH,” says Chris Ferguson, VP of Patient Services. “However, wait times do fluctuate at different times and in different circumstances. Lately we are seeing very high volumes of patients and that is leading to longer wait times.”
Factors contributing to the increased patient volumes include an overflow of patients from larger centres, cottagers and vacationers in the area accessing local emergency departments for care, higher comfort levels with visiting the ED as COVID-19 cases decline, and the retirement of family physicians in the region driving more people to use the ED.
Staff and physicians in the ED are hard-working, compassionate and caring and do their best each and every shift in a high-stress environment.
“I can’t thank our ED staff enough for their commitment and caring, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-changing protocols and pressures they have dealt with,” says Kim Dick, ED Nurse Manager.
As part of RVH’s commitment to the health and safety of our staff and physicians, any form of workplace violence or abuse such as swearing or yelling will not be tolerated. Patients are responsible for behaving in a courteous and respectful manner.
Patients are triaged when they arrive in the ED and those who require urgent care are seen first, notes Ferguson.
She added that processes and policies are in place to help with the flow of patients, and the hospital continually looks for ways to improve services and wait times. Upcoming renovations planned for the emergency department will help to improve the physical space, functionality and flow.
It’s important also that the emergency department is used appropriately by patients who require urgent care. Patients with non-urgent issues should make an appointment with their family physician, contact RC VTAC at 1-844-727-6404 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
“I would like to express heartfelt thanks to our ED staff and physicians who work in one of the most critical areas of our hospital. They have been on the front lines long before and during COVID and we appreciate their commitment to RVH, to working in the ED, and to caring for all who walk through our ED doors,” states Julia Boudreau, RVH CEO and President.
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For more information, please contact:
Julia Boudreau, CEO,
Renfrew Victoria Hospital
613-432-4851, ext. 260