Windsor

Erie Shores HealthCare, Windsor Regional Hospital reintroduce wait time clocks

"The clocks are an improvement over previous versions as rather than just predicting wait times based on historical data, the new clocks draw from real-time data based on current ED visits," Erie Shores HealthCare says in a statement.  

The wait time clocks are designed to give patients an estimate of the time they may be waiting

Windsor Regional hospital building.
Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores HealthCare. (Sanjay Maru/CBC)

Erie Shores HealthCare and Windsor Regional Hospital have reintroduced their emergency department wait time clocks to provide hospital patients with real-time information about wait times from the moment they are triaged.

The wait time clocks are designed to give patients an estimate of the time it takes to see a healthcare professional. 

"The clocks are an improvement over previous versions as rather than just predicting wait times based on historical data, the new clocks draw from real-time data based on current ED visits," Erie Shores HealthCare said in a statement Monday.  

The wait time clocks can be accessed on the websites of Erie Shores HealthCare and Windsor Regional Hospital.

Kristin Kennedy, president and CEO of Erie Shores HealthCare says the wait time clocks can empower patients to "choose the right care at the right time."

"While the emergency department is equipped to handle urgent and life-threatening situations, many conditions can be effectively treated through other healthcare options available in the community," she said. 

"It certainly does not negate an emergency if a patient were to call 911 to come to the ER. But we think it's really important to be transparent with the community and let [them] know what the wait times are when they arrive at the emergency room."

Kennedy added that while it's flu season, it's always important for people to remember that ERs are for medical emergencies, and patients should seek other health centres for mild illnesses to help ease hospital traffic.