CHEO asks Ottawa doctors to prioritize after hours appointments for kids with the flu

With so many kids coming down with the flu, the head of CHEO is asking family doctors to extend their hours to help the ER. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

Ottawa’s children’s hospital is appealing to family doctors to “prioritize after hours and urgent appointments” in their clinics for children with respiratory symptoms or assist at CHEO’s clinic as officials see a rise in flu cases in the lead up to the holiday season.

In a letter to physicians, CHEO president and CEO Dr. Vera Etches says “the early and intense start to flu season” has led to “unprecedented volumes” in the hospital’s emergency department.

“These numbers have stretched capacity to the limit, with staff relying on overflow spaces to safely care for young patients,” Etches said in the letter, provided to CTV News Ottawa.

• ‘We’ve officially entered flu season’ says Ottawa Public Health

The hospital says most children visiting the emergency department have not been immunized against influenza so far this year.

Etches says CHEO’s Kids Come First Care Clinic has extended operating hours and increased staffing to divert some patients from the emergency department. However, she says the clinic is seeing 70 patients a day.

“In December, additional physicians are urgently needed to support the increased demand,” Etches wrote.

Etches is also asking doctors to open more appointments for their patients experiencing cold and flu symptoms.

“If there are further opportunities to prioritize after hours and urgent appointments at your clinics for children with respiratory symptoms, this will continue to help with the demand,” Etches said.

Last week, CHEO issued a statement asking children, youth and adults to get their flu vaccine after seeing a “concerning rise” in flu cases in Ottawa.

In November, CHEO saw eight times more children testing positive for influenza compared to the same month last year, and twice as many children requiring hospitalization.

A CHEO spokesperson said the letter Etches sent to physicians is “an example of our efforts to work with all partners, including community pediatricians and family physicians, to serve our community.”

“We’re very grateful to our staff, medical staff and partners across the region for everything they are doing,” CHEO said. “We’re also grateful to all those in our community who are getting their shot, staying home when sick, and helping us reduce influenza’s impact on our kids.”

Ottawa Public Health says Ottawa has “officially entered flu season,” with high levels of flu circulating in the community.

The flu vaccine is available to everyone ages six months of age and older. You can get the flu shot at participating pharmacies and some primary care providers, like doctors and nurse practitioners. Ottawa Public Health offers both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines to eligible high-risk and propriety populations who face barriers.