www.insidehalton.com |O A K V ILLE B EA V ER |Thursday, December 14, 2017 |2 4 Haltorr Healthcare - Your Hospital ? $ h a lt o n h e a lt h c a r e .c o m Staying healthy during the Holiday Season ^ Here are a few tips to help you get ready · · · · · · · · Clean your hands often and thoroughly during the day Protect your health and that of your family by getting a flu shot Renew or refill your prescriptions so you don't run out during theholidays Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season don't forget to take care of your healthcare needs. # Call for Support For many people the holidays can be an overwhelming and stressful time. If you need help or would like to talk to someone, support is available 24/7, 365 days a year from the following organizations: COAST: Crisis Outreach and Support Team COAST provides Halton Region residents aged 16 and over, who are experiencing a mental health crisis with immediate outreach and support. Crisis Line: 1-877-825-9011 Find out where your local walk-in or after hours clinics are located and check their holiday hours Update all emergency telephone numbers and post them in a visible place Pharmacies and physician offices will have special holiday hours and extended closures. Know when your doctor's office and local pharmacy will be open/closed during the holidays Always maintain a current list of medications, herbal remedies, and vitamins you take regularly Stock up your home emergency kit: bottled water, canned or dried food, manual can opener, flashlights, wind-up radio, first aid kit and batteries, especially those necessary for medical equipment Distress Centre Halton Distress Centre Halton provides telephone and online support to people in our community to better cope with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress. Distress Lines: Oakville: 905-849-4541 | North Halton: 905-877-1211 If you do get sick and have to come to the hospital During the holiday season many physician offices, urgent care clinics and walk-in clinics will have reduced operating hours which can lead to an increased number of patients in our Emergency Departments. This can result in longer than usual wait times. Our Emergency Departments care for people with a wide range of injuries and concerns. Patients are seen by a doctor based on order of need, not their time of arrival. Our staff are working as quickly as they can, however, your wait time may be affected by patients experiencing more severe conditions. Patients are assessed and prioritized using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), based on the patient's complaint and the signs and symptoms they may be exhibiting. For example, a patient with chest pain will likely be seen by a physician before someone with a fracture or abdominal pain. Please consider the health of our hospital patients. Do not visit if you are ill or feel unwell, and always remember to clean your hands when you arrive at and leave the hospital. Burlington: 905-681-1488 ROCK: Reach Out Centre for Kids ROCK provides a multi-disciplinary approach to the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families. 24 Hour Mobile Crisis Line: 905-878-9785 SAVIS: Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Service SAVIS provides free, confidential 24 hour support to all survivors of violence including women, men, and members of the transgender community. Crisis/Support Line: 905-875-1555 What to Bring to the Emergency Department Please make sure you bring the following items with you before coming to the emergency department: Your Health Card All your Medications Related Health Information Your Healthcare Options If you need e m ergen cy care Call 911 or go to your closest Emergency Department. 0 ^ · · · Your Ontario Health Insurance card Any additional health insurance information The name and address of your family physician All medications in their original containers or a written list of any medications, herbal remedies and vitamins you take regularly. Don't forget about your inhalers, insulin, and eye drops. An updated list of any important health related information allergies and past health issues. The Emergency Department is for urgent, immediate and unscheduled healthcare services and is one of several choices to receive the care that you need depending upon the severity and urgency of your condition. Learn more at www.ontario.ca/healthcareoptions or by calling Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000. DECEMBER 2017 OAKVILLE TRAFALGAR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL