Seeking Care over the Holidays

For Immediate Release

December 22, 2021

Brantford, ON – As the holiday period quickly approaches, Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) would like you to know that it is safe to access our facilities and receive care. Please do not delay care if you need it. We're here for you, and are taking every possible precaution to keep patients safe.

As Emergency Department capacity and health human resources challenges persist across the province, we encourage those requiring care to review their access options to ensure care is received in a timely manner.

Primary Care Providers – As we are facing extraordinary volumes through our Emergency Department, we encourage the community to contact their primary care provider for non-emergency care needs.

Emergency Care – Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department

The Emergency Department (ED) at Brantford General Hospital (BGH) treats patients with serious illness or injuries such as loss of consciousness, chest pain, stroke like symptoms or difficulty breathing.

The BGH ED is open 24/7, every day of the year. You can check current wait times on our website at https://www.bchsys.org/en/care-services/wait-times.aspx.

Urgent Care – The Willett Urgent Care Centre in Paris

You should visit the Willett when you have an urgent but non-threatening illness or injury such as sprains, strains, stitches or minor burns. The Willett is open during the holidays the following times:

December 24 to 26 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 27 to 31– 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
January 1 and 2 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
January 3 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To check the current wait times at the Willett Urgent Care Centre, please visit our website at https://www.bchsys.org/en/care-services/willett-urgent-care-centre.aspx.

COVID Testing – COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Brantford Civic Centre

The BCHS COVID-19 testing operations will continue throughout the holiday season at the Brantford Civic Centre with special holiday hours:

December 24 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
December 25 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
December 26 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
December 31 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
January 1 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Testing at the Assessment Centre is by scheduled appointment only and walk-ins are not accepted.

If you need to book a COVID test during the holiday, visit our website to access the 24/7 online self-booking tool: https://www.bchsys.org/en/covid-19-online-scheduling.aspx. You can also book an appointment in advance by emailing Covid.assessment@bchsys.org with your name and telephone number, or by calling the hotline at 519-751-5818, available Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please note that as per the Government of Ontario guidelines, the Assessment Centre will only test individuals if they:

are showing COVID-19 symptoms
have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 either informed by the Brant County Health Unit or by an exposure notice received on the COVID alert app
are a resident or someone whose workplace has a COVID-19 outbreak
are eligible for testing as part of targeted testing by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Long-Term Care

The Assessment Centre does not offer COVID-19 testing for travel or social gatherings.

Brantford COVID-19 Pediatric Assessment Centre – Located at the Brantford Civic Centre

The Pediatric COVID-19 Assessment Centre will continue with regular hours over the holiday. The on-site physician will be available for appointments 7 days a week between 1 – 4 p.m. Appointments should be booked through your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can book online at https://www.bchsys.org/en/covid-19-online-scheduling.aspx , by telephone at 519-751-5818 (phone hours 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or by email at Covid.assessment@bchsys.org.

Please remember that this is not a walk-in clinic. This service is for children presenting viral symptoms that are unable to be safely seen by their primary care provider due to current COVID-19 protocols.

If your symptoms get worse and you need emergency care, please visit the local emergency department or call 911 immediately.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

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Media Contact:

BCHS Communications & Public Affairs

Communications@bchsys.org

519-751-5544