Emergency Department
Download the Emergency Department Brochure
Effective December 30, 2021, the Ontario government is limiting eligibility for PCR tests to individuals who are symptomatic and have a high-risk of severe illness from COVID-19. We are not able to provide PCR testing in our Emergency Department if you are not a high-risk individual.
High-risk individuals include those with significant medical issues, and workers and residents in settings such as long-term care and congregate living settings.
If you are not a high-risk individual and have COVID-19 symptoms, presume that you are infected and self-isolate to prevent transmission in the community. For more details on the Ministry guidelines, please visit the Ministry website.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
In an emergency, do not hesitate to go directly to our Emergency Department located at 75 Spring Street in Almonte. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a physician on call at all times. During off-hours, the Emergency Room physician provides services to all of Almonte General Hospital and Fairview Manor.
Nurses and physicians are available to provide expert and immediate care to those requiring treatment for sudden and serious medical and surgical emergencies. Please note that the Radiology and Laboratory Departments are staffed on an on-call basis after hours. Please visit the respective web pages for hours of operation.
To serve you better, we have implemented a five-level triage system. The highest priority is given to those who are critically ill. Upon assessment, people with the most serious illnesses or injuries will be treated first.
The goals of triage:
To rapidly identify patients with life-threatening conditions
To determine the most appropriate treatment
To decrease congestion in emergency treatment areas
Every patient will be seen by a registered nurse with special skills and training in triage. Patients should let the nurse know if their condition gets worse. Please note that you may have to wait for an extended period of time and that food is not always available. If possible, prepare to bring snacks especially if you have a medical condition that requires you to eat at certain times of the day.
Please be aware that “off work” or “sick notes” are NOT available through the Emergency Department.
What are my alternatives to the Emergency Department?
Call your family doctor or primary health care provider
Telehealth Ontario: If you have an illness or injury you can call Telehealth at 1-866-797- 0000 and speak to a nurse over the phone. This is a 24-hour, 7 day a week service if you live in Ontario.
Find a doctor or nurse practitioner: Health Care Connect helps people find a doctor or nurse practitioner who is taking new patients. You can register with Health Care Connect by calling 1-800-445-1822 or register online.
Ontario 211: 211 is a helpline and online database of Ontario’s community and social services. 211 is answered and updated by highly-trained specialists. Call 2-1-1. This is a free, confidential, live answer service offered 24/7.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the Emergency Room Manager at extension 2120.
