Need Healthcare Support this Holiday Season?
Need Healthcare Support this Holiday Season?
LAMBTON COUNTY – With the holidays quickly approaching, the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team (SL-OHT) reminds the community of the importance of preparing for holiday healthcare closures. “We encourage everyone to prepare for limited access to primary care providers over the holidays and to become familiar with the alternative supports and resources provided by our partners,” says SL-OHT Executive Lead, Steve Pancino.
This year, with the pressure COVID-19 is putting on the healthcare system, it is more important than ever for the public to actively prepare as well. “It is important for patients to ask their primary care provider ahead of time what their office hours are over the holiday season,” says. Dr. Vid Singh, “There are a few things people can do to care for themselves and prevent unwanted hospital visits over the holidays.”
Holiday Healthcare Preparation
- Call your primary care provider first! Your family doctor or nurse practitioner are your best care providers for non-emergencies. They know your history and medications and are your best place for consistent healthcare.
- Refill prescriptions before the holidays. If you run out during the holidays, contact your pharmacist to see if they can refill your prescription until you can see your primary care provider.
- Research the holiday hours of your primary care provider(s). Listed below are Walk-in Clinics and COVID-19 Testing Centres open during holiday hours, but always call ahead as they could be subject to change.
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Date |
Walk-in Clinics |
COVID-19 Testing Centres |
|
Friday, December 24 |
South Huron Medical Centre Good Doctors Medical Clinic Access to Care – Rapids |
All COVID-19 Testing Centres require an appointment. A full list of Centres has been provided by Lambton Public Health: www.getthevaccine.ca |
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Saturday, December 25 |
Wiltshire Walk-In Clinic |
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Sunday, December 26 |
Wiltshire Walk-In Clinic |
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Monday December 27 |
Sarnia Medical Group |
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Tuesday, December 28 |
Sarnia Medical Group |
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Wednesday December 29 |
Sarnia Medical Group Access to Care – Rapids |
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Thursday December 30 |
South Huron Medical Centre Bluewater Medical Clinic Sarnia Medical Group Access to Care – Rapids |
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Friday December 31 |
South Huron Medical Centre Bluewater Medical Clinic Sarnia Medical Group |
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Saturday, January 1 |
Wiltshire Walk-In Clinic |
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Always call 911 right away if you or someone close to you is experiencing chest pain, stroke symptoms or an acute medical emergency. The Emergency Department is for the sickest people in our community and Bluewater Health provides treatment of urgent illnesses and injuries in Sarnia and Petrolia 24 hours a day. |
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- For some, the holidays can bring an increased need for mental health supports, and a number of local organizations can help. Listings can be found at https://www.bluewaterhealth.ca/types-of-care/mental-health-addiction-services/mental-health-resources
- View and book a Covid-19 Vaccination at one of the upcoming clinics found at getthevaccine.ca.
- Get a flu shot to protect yourself and those around you. Visit: https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/events/clinics/flu-shot/
- Proactively reach out to agencies or organizations you regularly associate with (example: Canadian Mental Health Association, Alzheimer’s Society, etc.) to see what services are available during the holidays should you need them.
- Are you a caregiver? Respite care, which is short term accommodation and temporary relief for those who are caring for a family member or loved one, may be available if needed. Call Home and Community Care at 1-888-447-4468.
- Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service that provides health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-797-0000.
- To speak with someone to get connected to supports and services, call the Family Counseling Centre’s Older Adult Care Pathway at 1-888-347-8737 or visit agefriendlysarnialambton.ca
The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team extends its wishes to the Sarnia-Lambton community for a healthy, safe, and happy holiday season.
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The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team is a collaboration of 35 partners with a shared goal of improving the healthcare journey for members of the Sarnia-Lambton community. The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team’s purpose is: Local partners innovating together for better health. For more information, visit sarnialambtonoht.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT
Julia Oosterman
Chief, Communications & Public Affairs
Bluewater Health
519-328-3136
