Local options for healthcare: Clinics and virtual care help keep ER’s available

They remind everyone that there are cold and flu care clinics in Bancroft for people who have respiratory symptoms such as fever, sore throat or a new or worsening cough.

There are also virtual care options.

East Region Virtual Care Clinic (ERVCC) is open daily from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., providing virtual appointments with Nurse Practitioners for patients across Ontario Health’s East Region.

People can also get medical help over the phone by calling Health811.

Registered nurses are available to speak with 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 811 or visiting ontario.ca/health811 for health advice and information.

The health units add that people should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if they experience: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when doing very little or resting, severe stomach pain, chest pain or tightness in the chest, continuous vomiting or severe diarrhea with signs of dehydration, a broken bone or wound that may require stitches, seizures or convulsions, stiff neck or sensitivity to light, confusion or disorientation, infants under one month old with a temperature of over 38C (100.4F) or children with a fever over 38.3C (101F) and are difficult to wake.

For those experiencing a mental health emergency, such as acute psychosis or mania, call Quinte Health’s Crisis Intervention Centre (CIC) at 1-888-757-7766.

People who have thoughts of self-harming or harming others can call or text 9-8-8 or call the CIC.

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and Quinte Health also remind people they can help prevent illness by washing hands frequently, staying home when sick and wearing a mask in crowded places when recovering from illness. They say it is especially important to wear a mask for 10 days after symptoms started.