Brantford General Hospital is reporting a sharp rise in patient volumes and longer wait times in its Emergency Department, a situation officials attribute to seasonal pressures and a spike in respiratory illnesses.
Michael Marini, Manager of Communications and Public Affairs for the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), said the increase follows holiday closures and reduced hours at family physician offices and walk-in clinics.
“We’re seeing higher-than-usual numbers in our Emergency Department due to a combination of factors,” Marini said. “Many patients waited until after the holidays to seek care, and the reduced availability of primary care providers has added to the demand. At the same time, we’re managing a rise in cases related to RSV, influenza, and COVID-19.”
To ease the strain, Marini said BCHS has implemented surge protocols, creating additional space to accommodate patients. Staffing levels remain a focus, although illnesses among nurses and physicians continue to pose challenges.
“We’re working hard to maintain staffing and ensure patients receive the care they need,” Marini said. “We also encourage people with non-urgent concerns to explore alternatives like the Willett Urgent Care Centre in Paris, walk-in clinics, or virtual health services such as Health811 and UrgentCareOntario.ca.”
Looking to the future, BCHS is moving forward with a $32-million renovation of the Emergency Department, which will add 10,000 square feet of space to improve capacity and patient care.
“This expansion is a key part of our plan to meet the growing needs of the community,” Marini said. “We’re committed to providing better access and modernized services.”
Residents seeking non-emergency care can visit bchsys.org/wheretoaccesscare for more information. Details about the Emergency Department expansion are also available on the hospital’s website.
