Perth hospital warning of longer ER wait times due to inpatient bed shortage

The emergency department at the Perth hospital. (Dylan Dyson/CTV News Ottawa)

The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital says to expect longer wait times for non-urgent cases as it deals with a shortage of inpatient beds.

In a notice Tuesday, the hospital says the shortage has caused “critical capacity pressures.”

“Our Emergency Department is working to provide care and patients will be prioritized based on the severity of their condition. This may mean that you will experience a longer wait time for non-urgent cases,” the hospital says.

“We ask for your patience and understanding during this critical time. Our health care teams are doing everything possible under extraordinary pressures.”

The hospital says to call 911 immediately if you are experiencing a medical emergency. Paramedics will transport patients to the nearest emergency department if required.

The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital provides health care to more than 75,000 people in the region, according to its website. It operates 85 acute-care beds across its two campuses.

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