Horizon is asking the public to keep the Emergency Department for emergencies in Saint John November 25, 2021 SAINT JOHN – Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital emergency department is currently experiencing high patient volumes and staffing issues. To avoid long wait times, the public is urged to keep the emergency department for emergencies only. The Urgent Care Centre at Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital is an alternative in Saint John for non-life-threatening conditions that can’t wait for a scheduled doctor’s appointment. The Urgent Care Centre operates 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Illness and injuries triaged and treated at this centre include cuts, earaches, fever, minor burns, abdomen or back pain and simple fractures. The public is also encouraged to visit SoWhyWait.ca, which lists and describes all options for care including the Urgent Care Centre, Tele-Care 811, pharmacist, primary health care provider and after-hours clinic. However, if you or someone in your care has an urgent medical condition or is experiencing a health crisis, call 9-1-1 immediately. You should call 9-1-1 or seek emergency care when: experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest;experiencing unusual shortness of breath;experiencing abdominal pain;experiencing prolonged and persistent headache or dizziness;you have an injury that may require stitches or involve a broken bone;you have a child with prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; oryou have baby under six months of age with a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. – 30 – For more information contact: Kris McDavidMedia Relations1-877-499-1899media@horizonnb.cahorizonnb.ca/news