The West Parry Sound Health Centre is in gridlock, due to higher than normal patient volumes.
A ‘gridlock’ means all inpatient beds at the hospital are full, preventing emergency department patients from being moved to a bed, leading to overcrowding and delays.
The hospital enacted its gridlock policy shortly before 10 a.m. on March 15 and is currently operating ‘well above 100 per cent capacity.’
Officials say patients may be admitted to overflow spaces including staying in the Emergency Department, or moving into the Ambulatory Care Department, Surgical Services Department or Family Waiting Rooms.
“We may have to temporarily alter or stop some of our programs and services as we work to improve patient flow,” reads a statement posted to wpshc.com.
“WPSHC is carefully monitoring the situation and working towards improving capacity. Please attempt to avoid an unneeded visit to the Emergency Department by thoughtfully planning for your personal health care needs and avoiding unnecessary risks.”
Current estimated wait times can be found on the WPSHC online wait time tracker.
