Hamilton urgent care centre to be closed on Christmas, New Year’s

One of the two urgent care centres in Hamilton, which is intended to relieve pressures on hospital emergency rooms, will not be open on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has announced that “physician pressures” have led to the hospital network closing the west end urgent care centre (UCC), located at 690 Main St. W. in west Hamilton. In more ideal circumstances, the UCC is staffed by emergency department-trained doctors and nurses who can treat an illness or injury that is not an emergency, but cannot wait for an appointment with a family doctor.

“We recognize the impact that such difficult decisions may have on our patients and their families,” HHS states in a news release. “We thank everyone for their patience and understanding.

“We sincerely appreciate the work of all our staff and physicians to support patients and their families at this very trying time.”

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton will have its urgent care centre in the east end, located at 2757 King St. E., open on both holidays. That clinic, located at St. Joe’s King campus, is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The following conditions typically require urgent care:

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• Minor cuts or wounds that may require stitches
• Simple broken bones, sprains, strains or deep bruises
• Ear infections
• Fevers, coughs, congestion, and sore throats
• Insect bites, rashes and scrapes

HHS advises that any family or individual facing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. The province’s Health Connect Ontario service is also staffed by a registered nurse 24/7 via phone or web chat.