ED Wait Time Clocks Relaunch
23-12-2024
The wait time clocks are designed to give patients an average estimate of the time it takes to see a doctor from the moment they are triaged. Additionally, the clocks display the total number of patients currently being treated and those waiting in the emergency department.
The clocks are an improvement over previous versions as rather than just predicting wait times based on historical data, the new clocks draw from real-time data based on current ED visits.
The Emergency Department Wait Time Clocks can be accessed on the websites of Erie Shores HealthCare and Windsor Regional Hospital. It's important to understand that patients are seen based on the severity of their medical concern - so the wait time represents an average, and as always, our most critical patients are seen first. This means an individual's wait time may be much shorter or longer than the average posted on the website and should not be used as a deterrent to contacting 911 in the event of an emergency.
These tools can help individuals decide if the emergency department is the most appropriate place for their care or if alternative options, such as walk-in clinics, virtual care, or pharmacies, may better suit their needs.
The relaunch of the wait time clocks underscores the hospitals' commitment to enhancing transparency and ensuring patients have the information they need during a time when healthcare resources are in high demand.
Both organizations encourage residents to review all available healthcare options and to reserve emergency department visits for urgent medical needs.
The links to each page can be found here:
Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO, Erie Shores HealthCare
"Understanding the current wait times can empower patients to choose the right care at the right time. While the emergency department is equipped to handle urgent and life-threatening situations, many conditions can be effectively treated through other healthcare options available in the community."
Karen Riddell, Acting President and CEO and Chief Nursing Executive, Windsor Regional Hospital
"The wait time clocks are another example of how we’re leveraging technology to enhance transparency in patient care decisions. By providing clear, real-time information, we aim to reduce uncertainty for patients and help them make informed decisions about their healthcare needs."
Alternatives to Hospital Emergency Departments.
The public has an important role to play in helping us reduce hospital and ambulance wait times. For non-emergency situations, the public can phone 811, go to a walk-in clinic or make an appointment with their family doctor.
Virtual Urgent Care may be the right fit if you or a loved one has a medical issue that is NOT life-threatening but requires urgent medical attention and you’re unable to access timely care through a primary care provider. Learn more and book an appointment here.
Patients and families can also visit the Windsor Essex Ontario Health Team Guide to the Cough, Cold & Flu Season for links to online medical assistance as well as primary care and clinic options in our region and beyond.
As flu season approaches its anticipated peak, Erie Shores HealthCare and Windsor Regional Hospital have reintroduced their Emergency Department Wait Time Clocks to provide patients with real-time information about the current wait times in their emergency departments.