Hospitals in Kitchener are feeling the effects of a busy flu season

The emergency departments at both Grand River and St Mary’s are a very busy place this time of year… all thanks to flu season.

The flu has led to very high emergency department volumes and hospitals triage patients based on the urgency of their health needs, so those with less serious needs will be waiting longer.

Dr. Robert Wicket works in the emergency department and says if you have a less urgent case, you should visit your family doctor or a clinic instead.

He adds that right now on average, GRH sees about 180 patients a day and 150-160 patients per day at St Mary’s.

Those numbers have gone up to 180-190 at St Mary’s, and about 200 at Grand River.

However, not all visits will be avoidable. If an emergency visit is necessary remember the following:

• Bring your OHIP card or other medical insurance information;
• Bring a list or supply of your current medications;
• If you are coming to the department with a child, bring diapers, blankets and comfort items;
• If you have a new or worse cough or shortness of breath, put on a mask and use hand sanitizer when you arrive in the department.
• If you need to visit, try to bring only essential visitors with you.

 

Waterloo Region urgent care and walk-in clinics:

K-W Westmount Urgent Care Clinic

751 Victoria St S, Kitchener

Hours: 8:00-5:00 Mon-Fri, 8:00-3:00 Weekends/Holidays

Phone: 519-745-2273

 

Benton Medical Clinic

51 Benton St, Kitchener

Hours: 8:00-8:00 Mon-Fri, 9:00-3:00 Sat

Phone: 226-240-3014 and 226-240-3015

 

Laurentian Walk-In Clinic

750 Ottawa St S, Kitchener

Hours: 9:00-5:00 Mon-Fri, 9:00-3:00 Weekends

Phone: 519-570-3174

 

KW Walk-In Clinic (The Boardwalk)

100 The Boardwalk, Kitchener, ON

Hours: 9:00-8:00 Mon-Fri, Phone: 519-279-4098

 

K-W Fairway Urgent Care Clinic

385 Fairway Rd S, Kitchener, ON

Hours: 8:00-5:00 Mon-Fri, 8:00-3:00 Weekends/Holidays

Phone: 519-748-2327

 

Walk-In Clinic (University)

170 University Ave W, Waterloo

Hours: 9:00-8:00 Mon-Fri, 10:00-2:00 Weekends

Phone: 519-725-1514

 

Weber Medical Centre

450 Frederick Street, Suite 301 Kitchener

Hours: 2:00-8:00 Mon-Fri

Phone: 519-748-6933

 

Cambridge Walk-In Clinic

Hours: 8:00-4:00 Mon-Wed, 8:00-5:00 Tues, 8:00-1:00 Fri

Phone: 519-654-2260

 

Onyx Urgent Care Clinic

580 Lancaster St W, Kitchener

Hours: 5:00-11:00pm Mon-Fri, 3:00-9:00pm Weekends

Phone: 519-896-6699

 

Onyx Urgent Care Clinic

109-280 Lester St, Waterloo

Hours: 11:00-3:00pm Tue-Fri

Phone: 519-896-6699