Emergency room (ER) wait times can be long at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Long ER wait times can delay critical care, reduce patient satisfaction, and increase the risk of complications.
Most patients wait no more than 1.1 hours for the initial physician assessment in the emergency department. Total time spent in the emergency department for admitted patients were not reported.
Southlake Regional Health Centre may face long wait times as it serves a growing population in York Region and handles high patient volumes.
Southlake Regional Health Centre serves Newmarket, Ontario, a suburban and growing population. Health concerns include chronic disease management, mental health services, and maternity and pediatric care for the younger demographic.
Table of Contents:
- Understand Systemic Challenges
- Bring a Comfort Kit
- Be Comfortable in the Waiting Room
- Stay Clean and Organized
- Be Patient and Emotionally Prepared
- Plan for Peak Times
- Perpetuate Positive Change
- Options for Non-Urgent Care
Understand Systemic Challenges
Southlake Regional Health Centre’s emergency department faces unique demand pressures due to rapid population growth in its service area. As Newmarket and surrounding communities in northern York Region and south Simcoe County expand, more residents rely on Southlake for emergency care. This increase in population places continuous strain on hospital resources and contributes to longer wait times.
Facility constraints also play a role in Southlake’s emergency department overcrowding. While the hospital has expanded its emergency facilities, infrastructure growth has not kept pace with the rising patient volume. Limited space and bed shortages result in extended stays in the emergency department for patients awaiting inpatient care, further congesting the system.
As a regional referral center, Southlake attracts patients beyond its immediate area. Specialized services, such as advanced cardiac and cancer care, draw individuals from across the region, increasing the number of emergency visits. This adds to the already high demand and pressures the hospital to manage complex cases alongside general emergency care.
A shortage of alternative healthcare options also contributes to the demand. Many residents struggle to access family doctors, urgent care centers, and walk-in clinics, leaving them with no choice but to seek care in the emergency department for non-life-threatening conditions. Without adequate community-based healthcare, Southlake’s emergency department remains a primary access point for many patients.
Seasonal fluctuations and commuter traffic further impact the emergency department. Located near major highways and cottage country, Southlake experiences a surge in patients during holiday seasons and weekends. Accidents, recreational injuries, and increased travel-related emergencies lead to unpredictable spikes in emergency visits, adding another layer of demand on hospital staff and resources.
Bring a Comfort Kit
Before heading to Southlake Regional Health Centre, pack a comfort kit to help pass the time and reduce stress. Being prepared can make a long wait more manageable and improve your overall experience.
Include entertainment such as a book, magazine, or e-reader. Download shows, audiobooks, or music onto your phone or tablet to help pass the time. Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds can help block out the noise of a busy waiting room, creating a calmer environment. Ensure your phone is fully charged and bring a portable charger or power bank to stay connected throughout your visit. A charging cable and an adapter can also be useful if there are available outlets.
Pack snacks and a water bottle. While vending machines or a cafeteria may be available, having non-perishable items like granola bars, trail mix, crackers, or fruit ensures you don’t need to leave the waiting area for food. Choose snacks that are easy to store and eat without making a mess. Staying hydrated is essential, so bring a reusable water bottle, especially if access to drinking water is limited. Consider bringing electrolyte packets to add to your water if you anticipate a long wait.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing, as emergency room temperatures can fluctuate. A light sweater, hoodie, or jacket can help keep you warm in air-conditioned areas. Bring a small blanket, scarf, or neck pillow for added comfort during extended waits. If you are prone to discomfort from prolonged sitting, consider packing a small cushion or lumbar support pillow.
Hygiene and personal care items can also be useful. Pack travel-sized essentials such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, tissues, lip balm, and lotion to keep yourself refreshed. A toothbrush and toothpaste can be helpful if you expect to be at the hospital for an extended period. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a case and any necessary cleaning supplies. For those who may require medication, carry any prescribed medications, along with a small supply of over-the-counter pain relievers or antacids, in case of extended delays.
Having a small notepad and pen can also be beneficial for jotting down important information, such as doctor’s instructions, appointment details, or questions you may want to ask medical staff. If traveling with a loved one, consider packing extra items for their comfort as well.
Being well-prepared with a thoughtfully packed comfort kit can make a significant difference in managing long wait times and ensuring a more comfortable experience in the emergency department.
Stay Comfortable in the Waiting Room
Once at Southlake Regional Health Centre, focus on making your personal space as comfortable as possible. A small pillow or portable blanket can help during long hours of sitting. Engage in mindfulness activities such as deep breathing, guided meditations through apps like Calm or Headspace, or journaling to ease anxiety and maintain mental clarity.
Low-energy, engaging activities can also help pass the time productively. Portable crafts like knitting or crocheting, adult coloring books, or small games can provide distraction and relaxation. Mobile games and podcasts are great digital entertainment options. Keeping busy can shift your focus away from the wait and create a sense of normalcy.
Consider adjusting your posture and stretching periodically to avoid stiffness or discomfort from prolonged sitting. Simple seated stretches, such as rolling your shoulders or stretching your legs, can improve circulation and reduce fatigue. If possible, take short walks within the waiting area to alleviate stiffness and maintain movement.
If you are visiting with a companion, engaging in quiet conversation or playing a light game together can help pass the time. Having a supportive presence can make long waits feel less stressful and provide emotional comfort. If you are alone, staying connected with loved ones through phone calls or messages can also help provide reassurance during the wait.
Lighting and noise levels in the waiting area may fluctuate, so adjusting your environment can improve your comfort. If the area is too bright, consider using a sleep mask or lightly closing your eyes for periods of rest. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help minimize distractions and create a calmer space.
Stay Clean and Organized
Keeping your personal space clean and organized can help reduce stress in the waiting room. Use disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer to clean surfaces like armrests, tables, and chairs. Avoid placing personal items such as bags or phones on shared surfaces to minimize exposure to germs. Keeping your belongings in a designated bag or pouch can help prevent them from being misplaced or contaminated.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching high-contact surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, or shared equipment. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, to reduce the risk of infection.
Bring a small trash bag or disposable wipes to keep your area tidy. This will help prevent clutter and maintain a cleaner environment for yourself and others. If you are traveling with a companion, encourage them to follow the same hygiene practices to reduce the spread of germs in the waiting room.
Be Patient & Emotionally Prepared
Prepare yourself emotionally for the realities of visiting Southlake Regional Health Centre. Emergency rooms prioritize the most critical cases first, so wait times can vary greatly, sometimes extending for several hours. Long waits can be frustrating, but having realistic expectations can help you manage stress more effectively.
Practicing patience and empathy—for yourself, medical staff, and other patients—can ease the emotional strain. Other patients may also be experiencing distress, discomfort, or anxiety, so maintaining a calm and understanding demeanor fosters a more supportive atmosphere.
Remember that healthcare workers are doing their best in a high-pressure environment to provide timely care to everyone. Expressing kindness and gratitude to staff can improve interactions and create a more positive experience for everyone in the emergency department. If you are waiting with a loved one, offer emotional support and reassurance, as they may also be struggling with the uncertainty of their situation.
Plan for Peak Times
Planning your visit to the emergency department at Southlake Regional Health Centre can significantly impact wait times, particularly if the medical issue is not urgent.
Mondays tend to be the busiest day of the week in most emergency departments. The accumulation of non-emergency cases over the weekend often result in a surge of patient volume on the first work day of the week.
If your condition allows for flexibility in seeking care, consider the day of the week for your visit. Avoid Mondays and weekends.
The time of day is unlikely to significantly reduce wait times, as hospitals align staff availability with patient volumes.
During standard business hours, from morning to early evening, full staffing is in place. However, higher patient volumes during these times can create bottlenecks. Even with more medical personnel, increased demand can still lead to longer waits as emergency departments handle the influx of patients.
Late-night and early-morning hours may seem ideal due to fewer patients. However, reduced staffing during these hours often negates the benefit of a smaller patient load. Patients may still face long waits due to limited healthcare providers.
Demand seasonality can affect wait times in emergency departments across Canada, particularly among younger patients. Young children, aged 0 to 5, see a rise in emergency visits during autumn, with a notable decline in the summer months. Children, aged 5 to 19, experience a peak in spring and a similar decrease in the summer.
Adults, aged 20 to 64, generally show consistent demand for emergency care throughout the year. Seniors over 65 also follow a steady pattern, with minimal seasonal fluctuations.
Perpetuate Positive Change
You can play an important role in supporting the emergency department in Southlake Regional Health Centre and beyond. By making informed decisions and taking proactive steps, you can reduce help to reduce emergency wait times, while fostering a more positive healthcare experience for all.
- Choose the Right Level of Care. Many non-urgent conditions can be treated outside Southlake Regional Health Centre. By utilizing family doctors, walk-in clinics, urgent care centers, and pharmacists for minor health issues, Ontarians can help reserve emergency resources for those in critical need. Understanding when and where to seek care is a simple yet impactful way to alleviate overcrowding.
- Embrace Preventive Health Measures. Preventive care is a cornerstone of reducing the burden on hospitals. Staying up to date on vaccinations, including flu shots, can help prevent illnesses that often result in visits to Southlake Regional Health Centre. Additionally, maintaining regular check-ups with primary care providers can catch potential health issues early, preventing them from escalating into emergencies.
- Practice Patience and Empathy. Southlake Regional Health Centre operate on a triage system, prioritizing the most critical cases. When visiting the emergency department, understanding this process and being patient can make a difference. Treating healthcare workers and fellow patients with kindness fosters a more supportive and positive environment.
- Support Healthcare Workers. Healthcare workers at Southlake Regional Health Centre face immense pressure, particularly during peak times or public health crises. Supporting them by showing appreciation, volunteering for healthcare initiatives, or simply following public health guidelines (like masking and hand hygiene during outbreaks) can make their jobs easier.
Options for Non-Urgent Conditions
If medical conditions are not urgent, patients can consider alternative options to the emergency department at Southlake Regional Health Centre:
- Family doctors serve as the primary point of contact for managing ongoing or non-urgent medical concerns. They provide comprehensive and personalized care, often maintaining detailed records of a patient’s medical history, which facilitates continuity of care and long-term management of health conditions.
- Walk-in clinics offer convenient medical services for minor injuries or illnesses without the requirement of an appointment.
- Urgent care centres provide medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions, such as minor fractures or severe flu symptoms. These centres typically offer faster service compared to emergency departments.
- Nurse practitioner-led clinics can provide primary care services for non-emergency health needs. These clinics are particularly valuable if family doctors are not available in the area.
Learn wait times for common medical procedures in Ontario: