Temporary reduction of service of the Norfolk General Hospital Emergency Department
(Sunday, October 30, 2022) – Effective immediately, the services in the emergency department at Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) will be temporarily reduced until Monday, October 31, at 7:00 p.m. The temporary reduction in hours is necessary due to COVID-19-related illnesses.
The emergency department will not be seeing patients during the temporary reduction of service, and ambulances will be diverted to other hospital emergency departments.
Ambulances have been notified of the temporary reduction of service at NGH during these hours and will take patients directly to the closest area hospital emergency department to ensure residents continue to have access to the emergency services they need.
A contingency plan has been implemented to deal with the temporary reduction of service.
This temporary reduction in hours is necessary and is beyond the control of the hospital and the physicians in our community.
“It is important to recognize the hard work and dedication of all of our healthcare providers, many of whom provide coverage in a number of services over and above the emergency department, including busy family practices, hospital inpatients, long-term care homes, etc.,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital. “This temporary reduction of hours in the emergency department is weighing heavily on our exhausted emergency department teams.”
Anyone requiring emergency health care treatment should:
- Call 911.
Anyone requiring urgent health care treatment should go directly to the closest emergency department at one of the following hospitals:
- West Haldimand General Hospital, 75 Parkview Road, Hagersville
- Brantford General Hospital, 200 Terrace Hill Street, Brantford
- Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, 167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg
- Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, 400 Broad Street West, Dunnville
“Our staff and physicians have worked at an exhausting pace for two-and-a-half years,” said Dr. Robin Martin-Godelie, Interim Chief of Staff at Norfolk General Hospital.” We are grateful for their hard work and unwavering commitment to caring for our community. Our staff and physicians are doing absolutely everything they can. Our community has also stood behind us throughout the pandemic and their support has meant so much. We thank you and ask for your patience and understanding as we work through these challenges.”
People can also book a virtual appointment through Health Connect Ontario. Appointments are available by video, phone, or direct messaging for common illnesses, injuries, and mental health concerns. This on-demand service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, people who need health care advice or are unsure about their medical issues can contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 to speak with a Registered Nurse.
Patients can also book an appointment with their family doctor for health concerns that can wait a day or more or they can visit a local pharmacist if they need a prescription refill.
It has been a difficult decision to temporarly reduce the emergency department hours until Monday, October 31, at 7:00 p.m. The emergency department will reopen on Monday, October 31, at 7:00 p.m.
In reaching this difficult decision, NGH investigated and exhausted all options and opportunities
NGH apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary reduction in services may cause. This decision was made to ensure safe and quality care for our patients and clients.
We ask for our community’s patience and understanding as we work through these challenging times.
