Emergency departments are busy places and we treat patients in order of urgency, not in order of arrival. We are open around the clock and staffed with physicians and nurses trained and equipped to treat the most serious illnesses and injuries.
Call your primary care provider first! Your family doctor or nurse practitioner are the best care providers for non-emergencies including the common cold, an ingrown toenail or a UTI. They know your history and medications, and are your best place for consistent healthcare.
Some alternative options before visiting the Emergency Department include:
Family Doctor
If your symptoms include a fever, sore throat, cough, earache, muscle and joint pain or skin lesions, it's best for you to see your family doctor. For a list of family doctors accepting new patients go to: bluewaterhealth.ca/finding-a-family-doctor
Healthline
Go to eriestclairhealthline.ca to find local health and community services across Ontario.
Telehealth Ontario
Not sure what kind of medical attention you need? Telehealth Ontario, the province’s free health information hotline, gives you confidential access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to a registered nurse who will assess your symptoms and help you decide what kind of help you need and where to get it.
health.gov.on.ca
Tel: 1-866-797-0000 or use their TTY line at 1-866-797-0007.
Age Friendly Sarnia-Lambton
An age-friendly community supports active, healthy and engaged living for people through all life stages and abilities, and fosters civic, economic, and social participation throughout the life course. For further information go to: agefriendlysarnialambton.ca.
Family Health Team
If your family doctor is a member of a family health team, you'll have access to an on-call doctor who provides urgent, but non-life-threatening care without an appointment after hours and on weekends. Ask your family doctor if he/she is a member of a family health team and how to contact the on-call doctor after hours.
Community Health Centre
Community Health Centres are non-profit community-governed organizations that provide primary health care, health promotion and community development services, using multi-disciplinary teams of health providers. Click here to find a community health centre near you.
Walk-in Clinic
You don’t need an appointment to visit a walk in clinic. If you need medical care for a non-life-threatening illness or injury, visit your nearest walk-in clinic for same-day care by a qualified physician. Click here to find a walk-in clinic near you.
COVID-19 Public Assessment Centres
Public Assessment Centres may be accessed by appointment by anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or are individuals who do not have symptoms but are at high risk for COVID-19 due to close contact with confirmed cases. All Public Assessment Centres are accessed by appointment only. Please click here to see locations and hours.