Kincardine physicians, hospital working to reduce non-urgent ER visits

The South Bruce Grey Health Centre is working with the Kincardine Physicians Group and the Kincardine Family Health Team to divert non‐urgent patients from the emergency department (ER) at the Kincardine hospital in preparation for the busy summer months.

The physicians group at the Kincardine Community Medical Clinic is keeping appointments open Monday to Friday during business hours for walk‐in visits in an effort to reduce the number of patients with non‐urgent symptoms presenting at the ER.

The Kincardine hospital ER is one of the busiest in Grey and Bruce counties, and physician coverage challenges are expected as two doctors who provide emergency coverage have announced their departure in July.

“We see a very high volume of patients in the emergency department who could be seen in our family practice,” explains Dr. Leanne Thomson. “Our goal is to ensure that patients are receiving the care they need in the appropriate place.”

Patients with non‐urgent symptoms are encouraged to call their family physician’s office to see if a same‐day appointment is available. If the family physician is not able to see the patient, the receptionist will assist in trying to arrange an appointment with another physician, or the Family Health Team’s nurse practitioner.

For patients who are assessed in the ER and deemed to be non‐urgent, health centre staff will work with the clinic and
the Family Health Team to see if an appointment can be scheduled.

“By reducing the number of non‐urgent visits to the emergency department, we can ensure that our ER is available for emergency situations and properly staffed,” says Paul Rosebush, health centre president and chief executive officer.

The South Bruce Grey Health Centre includes hospitals in Kincardine, Walkerton, Chesley and Durham.