Campbellton hospital emergency room under pressure

People in the Campbellton area are being asked not to go to the emergency room at the Campbellton Regional Hospital unless absolutely necessary.

VitalitHealth Network issused a statement Monday saying the hospital has been coping with a very high bed occupancy rate and a "significant increase" in visits to the emergency department.

"We seek the public co-operation in reducing the demand on our emergency department where their condition can be treated through alternate means," said Johanne Roy, Vitalit'sacting vice-president of clinical services.

The challenge is compounded due to a lack of staff becausemany employees are on vacation, stated the health authority.

The emergency room at the hospital is operating as usual, but the health authority is asking people to make an appointment with the family physician, visit a walk-in clinic, or call Tele-Careif their condition does not require urgent treatment.

Anyone visiting the emergency room is advised to expect longer than usual wait times for non-critical cases.

The hospital is also facing pressure because of the number of beds required forelderly patients who are awaiting placement in a nursing home or special care home.

"We are analyzing the situation on day-to-day basis, the objective being to better respond to our population's needs," said Roy.