The Ontario New Democrats say Premier Doug Ford needs to prioritize health care hiring after emergency rooms in Perth and Clinton were forced to temporarily close on the weekend due to staff shortages.
Karen Davies, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital president and CEO told myFM they are dealing with a greater than 30 per cent increase in ER visits, combined with staffing challenges.
However there has been no need to cut back on ER hours.
Davies adds if your needs are non-urgent, consider other health system supports, such as a primary care provider, an urgent care centre or Health Connect Ontario.