With a second consecutive weekend of unsanctioned Homecoming celebrations expected in the city, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has put plans in place to support an increase in patient demand. However, KHSC is urging those who plan on attending to seriously reconsider as these events put an additional strain on hospital resources.
“I think we need to have a serious discussion as a community about the impact these large unsanctioned events, that are no longer just limited to Homecoming weekend, are having on our hospital,” says KHSC President and CEO Dr. David Pichora. “Large street parties like we see during Homecoming weekend now take place multiple times per-year and are putting an extreme strain on an already overburdened health-care system.
“We continue to experience significant staffing shortages across multiple programs and departments, and we continue to see increasing volumes of patients needing care on a regular day-to-day basis which have already resulted in longer wait-times in the Emergency Department (ED). I have communicated to both the City of Kingston and Queen’s University that within our current resources, we can no-longer be considered the safety-net for these kinds of events.”
This past weekend, KHSC received an additional 15 patients in the ED related to the “Fauxcoming” unsanctioned event. While the hospital did open extra space, the majority of the patients that arrived required much more complex care than is usually provided in these overflow areas.
“It’s really concerning that the patients who arrived required such resource intensive care,” says Dr. Pichora. “Not only as a result of substance abuse, but also with serious injuries, including broken bones and severe lacerations. We’re also seeing growing reports the last few years of dangerous behaviour exhibited during these events including intoxicated individuals climbing roofs and hydro poles, throwing bottles at first responders and additional instances of violence such as stabbings, shootings, and assaults.”
“We still continue to feel the ongoing impact of the pandemic, and as the largest hospital in the region we must continue to be able to support the sickest and most critically ill-people from across Southeastern Ontario. We need to ensure that everyone can access the care they require in the right place at the right time.”
While KHSC has again put plans in place in preparation for this weekend, including opening additional care areas and bringing in extra nurses, doctors, registration staff, security and housekeeping, among many others roles, KHSC is asking for support from the community as well.
Individuals looking to access the ED at the Kingston General Hospital site are asked to prepare for longer wait-times for anything other than the most urgent conditions. Those with less urgent needs are asked to consider other health-care options this weekend. To learn about other venues for alternate care visit www.rightplacerightcare.ca.
“If you are suffering a life-threatening or critical illness or injury, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest Emergency Department and we will be here for you," says Dr. Pichora. "I can assure you that our teams are doing everything in their power to get to you as quickly as possible. But we ask for your patience and understanding this weekend.”
